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LIBR.ARY 

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HISTORY 


OF  THE 


Baptist  Churches 


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Woodford  County,  Illinois 


By   X.   F.   Marshall,   A.   B.    (Shurtleff  College    1879),    who 

has  been    closely  identified   with  the  history  of  the  Baptist 

Churches  of  this  county  for  more  than  fifty  years. 


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COPYRIGHTED     1913 


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A.  F.   iViARSHALL, 


PREFACE. 


In  presenting  this  little  voulme  to  the  public  containing,  as 
it  does,  the  history  of  the  Baptist  churches  of  Woo;1ford  county, 
llHnois,  I  do  so  but  with  a  single  purpose:  viz.,  to  so  preserve 
the  history  of  the  faithful  lives  of  service  of  the  men  and 
women  of  the  past,  who  made  the  splendid  work  of  our  churches 
possible,  that  present  and  future  generations  may  profit  by  the 
examples  of  their  self-sacrificing  devotion.  In  the  preparation 
of  this  little  volume  1  have  sought  to  bring  out  that  which  1 
consider  is  vital  in  relating  the  story  of  the  struggles,  the  hard- 
ships, and  the  victories  that  have  attended  the  growth  of  our 
churches  in  the  county  for  more  than  fifty  years.  Much  of 
this  history  has  come  w  ithin  the  range  of  my  personal  experi- 
ence I  wish,  however,  to  here  acknowledge  my  indebtedness 
to  all  who  have  assisted  me  in  gathering  the  material  that 
supplements  my  own  l<no\v  ledge  of  the  progress  of  the  church. 

The  volume  goes  to  you  with  the  prayer  that  it  may 
fulfill  the  purpose  that  inspired  the  author  in  its  preparation^ 
and  that  the  contemplation  of  the  lives  of  the  godly  self- 
sacrificing  men  and  women  of  the  church  of  yesterday  may 
serve  to  inspire  the  men  and  women  of  today  and  tomorrow  to  a 
greater  spirit  of  earnestness  and  devotion,  and  that  thru  faith  the 
history  of  the  church  of  tomorrow  may  be  replete  with  victories 
and  achievements  for  Christ.  Yours  truly, 

A.  F.  MARSHALL. 


^ 


X) 


History  of    the    Baptist  Churches    of    Woodford 

County,  Illinois. 


o 

h 

o 


CHAPTER   I. 

Early  Heroes  of  the  Church. 

EFORE  compiling  a  history  of  the  Baptist  churches  of 
Woodford  county,   1  wish  to    mention    som.e   of  tlie 
deacons  and  preachers,  who  w^ere  in  the  county  more 
than  fifty  years  ago,  whom  I  personally  knew.       I 
wish  first  to  mention  the  name  of  Esther  Mundell,  at 
whose  home  the  first  Baptist  church  was  organized  after  Wood- 
ford county  was  set  off  as  a  county.     She  had  much  to  do  with 
he  first  Baptist  church,  alvvays  being  liberal  in  her  contribu- 
ions  of  both  time  and  money,      it    is    related    that    before  the 
church  was  lathed  and  plastered,  a  covenant  meeting  was  held 
j  >on  Saturday  afternoon.     It  was  cold  and    they    had  only  une 
-f^stove.     They  thot  they  ought  to  have  another  stove  before  Sun- 
day, and  all  began  to  make  excuses  as  to  why  they  could  not 
go  and  get  one      She  aro^e  and  said,  *Mf  no  one  else  will  go,  1 
'^'^ill  hitch  up  my  old  \'ellow  mare  and  go  to  Metamora  and  get 
T'one  and  have  it  set  up  before  Sunday  morning."     And  she  did. 
"S  I  have  often  seen  her  drive  the  old  yellow  mare  with  a  colt  of 
^  the  same  color  by  her  side. 

>  Deacon  Hammers  and  wife  of  the  Richland  church,  cast 

a  Christian  influence  over  the   county  of  their    time,  that  was 

"^.probably  greater  than  that  of  any  other  couple  since.     Deacon 

■Hammers   was   a  man  of  sterling   Christian    character,  a  man 

r  loved  bv  all  who  l<new  him.     I  first  remember  him  when  I  was 

a  little  boy  in  my  father's  arms.     From  that  time  until  his  death 

I  was  never  at  a  service  that  1   did   not  see   Deacon   and    IV\rs. 


c^ 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BAPTIST    CHURCHES 


Hammers,  if  they  were  well.  1  doubt  whether  there  was  a  man 
better  known  over  ihe  county  than  he  was.  iV\r>.  Hammers  was 
a  true  Christian  woman,  who  always  visited  the  sick  in  the 
neighborhood,  no  matter  who  the\'  were.  It  is  said  that  she 
never  went  empty  handed.  1  have  heard  her  tell  of  the  Asso- 
ciation meeting  being  held  at  the  Richland  church,  when  they 
would  entertain  twenty-five  over  night,  making  large  beds  on 
the  floor  for  them. 

Joseph  Hammers,  the  father  of  Deacon  Hammers,  used 
to  live  near  Panc-la  and  he  would  walk  to  Richland  to  attend  a 
covenant  meeting,  stopping  at  my  parents  for  dinner  and  going 
on  after  dinner,  making  a  twenty-five  mile  walk.  I  remember 
well  when  he  would  stop  at  our  house  both  ways.  I  remember 
the  last  time  he  came.  It  was  a  cold,  chilly  day,  and  the  but- 
tons were  off  his  overcoat.  I  remember  that  mother  sewed 
some  on  for  him.  He  took  cold  and  died  soon  after,  I  think 
about  eightv  years  of  age. 

Anotlier  man  I  wish  to  mention  is  Uncle  Jeter  Foster,  as 
every  one  called  liim.  While  a  member  of  the  Meth.odist 
church  he  always  helped  at  the  Rich.land  church,  especially 
taking  great  interest  in  the  Sundav  school.  No  history  of  any- 
thing of  the  northern  part  of  Woodford  county  would  be  com- 
plete without  a  mention  of  the  Kerricks,  pioneer  M.  E. 
preachers,  men  of  fine  Christian  character,  who  did  much  for 
every  SunJay  scho'^l  of  the  county.  As  a  little  boy  I  can 
remember  how  we  loved  to  see  them  ride  up  to  the  school  house 
in  which  services  were  held,  for  we  always  knew  that  they 
would  iiave  something  good  to  say  to  us  children. 

Probably  no  preacher  was  better  known  than  Rev.  C.  D. 
Merrit  thruout  Central  Illinois.  Coming  here  in  1853,  he 
remained  in  the  county  about  twenty-five  years.  His  sterling 
Christian  character  and  firm  manhood  made  him  a  man  of  more 
than  ordinary  ability.  He  probably  did  more  for  the  Baptist 
churches  in  this  county  than  any  other  preacher.  While  pastor 
of  the  Washburn  and  Richland  churches,  he  would  often  walk 


OF  WOODFORD   COUNTY,    ILLINOIS 


to  Richland  Saturday  afternoon  for  covenant  meeting,  stay  all 
night,  preach  Sunday  morning,  walk  back  to  Washburn  and 
preach  Sunday  evening.  He  probably  helped  organize  more 
churches,  and  ordain  more  young  men  to  the  gospel  ministry 
than  any  other  Baptist  preacher  in  Woodford  county. 

Elder  M.  L.  Fuller  was  another  pioneer  Baptist  preacher 
who  used  to  ride  over  the  prairies  before  there  were  any  roads, 
preaching  for  the  scattering  churches.  His  grand  daughter, 
Lydia  Fuller,  was  a  missionary  and  died  on  the  foreign  field. 
Deacon  E.  A.  Fisher  was  another  deacon  wliose  influence  was 
felt  far  and  wide. 

Dr.  G.  S.  Baily  was  another  early  Baptist  preacher,  one 
who  helped  in  many  ways  in  the  early  struggles  of  the  Baptist 
churches  of  Woodford  county.  He  was  later  connected  with 
the  Chicago  Theological  Seminary. 

Another  pioneer  Baptist  preacher  was  Rev.  Brown,  who 
used  to  preach  in  a  log  school  house  near  the  Hallam  farm. 
Another  early  Baptist  preacher  was  Charles  Fuchs,  a  French- 
man, who  married  a  cousin  of  the  Majors,  and  came  here  from 
Kentucky.  He  at  one  time  owned  tne  Haynes  farm  southwest 
of  Eureka.  While  he  never  was  ordained,  he  preached  fre- 
quently during  the  fifties. 

Another  prominent  figure  in  the  history  of  the  Baptist 
church  in  this  county  was  E.  R.  Marshall,  who  came  to  this 
county  in  1848,  and  became  a  charter  member  of  ths  Roanoke 
Baptist  church  at  the  time  of  its  organization  in  1864.  He  con- 
tinued a  member  of  that  church  until  it  gave  up  its  organization. 
For  a  number  of  years  he  paid  one-fourth  of  the  salary  of  the 
pastor  of  the  Roanoke  church,  and  was  a  staunch  supporter  of 
the  work  in  all  its  brandies. 

Elder  Brooks  preached  for  the  Richland  church  for  some 
months,  filling  the  pulpit  every  alternate  Sunday.  He  rode 
thirty  miles  to  reach  his  preaching  appointment,  riding  the 
entire  distance  on  horseback. 


8  HISTORY    OF   THE    BAPTIST    CHURCHES 

CHAPTER   II. 

The  Richland  Baptist  Church. 

HIS  was  the  first  Baptist  church  organized  in  Woodford 
count)'  after  its  organization  as  a  county.  From  this 
church  many  other  Baptist  churches  were  organized. 
""I  It  was  situated  five  miles  north  of  Metamora.  dt  was 
organized  at  \he  home  of  Mrs.  Esther  Mundell,  Sept. 
27th,  1844,  with  13  membt-rs.  Four  from  Penns\Mvania,  one 
from  Virginia,  five  from  Vermont  and  three  from  New  York. 
Those  present  at  the  organization  were  Elders  H.  G.  Weston, 
Thomas  Powell  and  delc^gates  from  several  other  Baptist 
churches. 

Elder  Thomas  Brown  had  preached  once  a  month  there 
for  some  time,  and  Elder  Thomas  Powell  and  Isaac  Merriam 
occasionally.  Elder  H.  G.  Weston,  while  pastor  at  Washing- 
ton, fiad  visited  and  preached  there  and  was  instrumental  in 
gathering  the  church  together.  Jesse  Hammers  was  its  first 
deacon  and  held  that  office  until  his  death,  living  to  a  good  old 
age,     Tilton  Howard  was  its  first  clerk. 

Durinc!  the  f*  llowncj  winter  an  effort  was  made  to  erect 
a  house  of  worship,  in  which  they  were  assisted  by  Deacon 
Bacheller,  of  Lynn,  Massachusetts,  he  being  an  uncle  of  the 
pastor.  The  house  was  begun  in  May,  1845.  I'"*  ^846  Elder 
Weston  removed  to  Peoria  and  until  the  fall  of  1847,  the 
church  was  without  a  pastor,  only  having  preaching  occasion- 
ally. Elder  W.  Pigsley  then  became  pastor  and  served  the 
church  until  1849. 

On  the  thirteenth  of  October,  1849,  ^^  council  was  called 
to  ordain  one  of  the  members  to  the  gospel  ministry,  August  B. 
Cramb.  This  is  undoubtedly  the  first  ordination  of  a  Baptist 
minister  in  Woodford  county.  Immediately  after  the  ordina- 
tion, he  baptized  his  wife,  who  previously  had  been  a  member 
of  the  Congregational  church.  In  December,  1849,  E'Jer  S.  S. 
Freeman,   from    Michigan,    began   to   preach  for  the  Richland 


OF  WOODFORD   C0U:NTY,   ILLINOIS  9 

church.  A  special  religious  interest  had  been  manifested  under 
the  labors  of  Elder  Pigsley  on  the  river  bottom,  near  the  Illinois 
River,  a  few  miles  west  of  the  meeting  house.  Elder  Freeman 
that  winter  commenced  a  revival  meeting  there  and  ten  were 
baptized  during  the  meeting,  and  others  afterward.  In  April 
i8so  Elder  Freeman  and  several  others  were  dismissed  to  form 
a  church  at  Spring  Bay.  Elder  Freeman  still  continued  to 
preach  at  Richland  part  of  the  time.  In  June  1850  the  Rich- 
land church  reported  33  baptisms  and  61  members.  In  Decem- 
ber 1850  Elder  Cramb  was  dismissed  to  go  into  the  new  church 
to  be  formed  at  Metamora.  In  June  185 1  a  council  met  with 
the  Richland  church  to  ordain  John  M.  Scrogin  to  the  work  of 
the  gospel  ministry  and  soon  after  he  became  pastor  of  the 
Delavan  church.  During  the  year  185 1  the  church  reported 
8  baptisms  and  84  members.  During  this  year  the  church  re- 
ported several  members  dismissed  to  form  another  Baptist 
church.  Twenty-nine  members  residing  on  Half  Moon  Prairie, 
desiring  to  form  a  new  church  asked  and  received  letters  of  dis- 
missal to  form  a  new  organization.  In  December  another  colony 
of  nine  asked  the  same  privilege  to  form  the  Richland  Val'ey 
church. 

During  the  month  of  December  1851,  Elder  Cramb  com- 
menced preaching  again  part  of  the  time.  At  this  time  the 
church  was  greatly  weakened  by  so  many  of  its  members  going 
to  other  colonies,  several  of  which  h;ive  become  larne  and 
flourishing  churches,  so  that  in  1852,  it  only  reported  three 
baptisms  and  48  members.  Part  of  this  time  Elder  J.  W. 
Stickney  preached  for  Elder  Cramb  on  account  of  the  sickntss 
of  the  latter.     In  1853  the  church  reported  only  23  members. 

In  February,  1854,  Elder  C.  D.  Merrit  became  pastor  of 
the  church,  in  connection  with  the  Metamora  and  Half  Moon 
churches.  In  June  following,  the  church  reported  six  bapti>ms 
and  33  members,  and  in  i85q,^even  baptisms  and  44  members. 
In  March,  1856,  the  paste. r  commenced  a  series  of  meetings, 
assisted  part  of  the  time  by  G.  S.  Baily,  D.  D.,  which  resulted 


10  HISTORY    OF   THE    BAPTIST     CHURCHES 

in  a  precious  revival  and  22  were  baptized,  making  a  total 
membership  of  63,  C.  D.  Merrit  being  pastor,  Jesse  Hammers 
deacon  and  E.  A.  Fisher  clerk.  Elder  Merrit  still  continued  his 
labors  until  April  2nd,  1859,  when  the  church  called  S.  S.  Rob- 
inson to  labor  one  half  time,  dividing  the  time  with  Washburn. 
Abner  Mundell  was  church  clerk  at  the  time  and  Jesse  Hammers 
deacon.  On  July  23rd,  T859,  the  church  voted  to  divide  the 
Illinois  River  Baptist  Association. 

Elder  S.  S.  Robinson  served  the  church  as  pastor  from 
March  31st,  i860  to  February  28th,  1862.  On  the  21st  of  May, 
1864,  he  accepted  a  call  to  again  become  its  pastor  for  one  half 
time.  On  April  29th  a  call  was  made  to  organize  a  church  on 
the  prairie,  the  same  being  the  Roanoke  Baptist  church. 

Elder  Charles  Cross  served  the  church  as  pastor  one  haif 
time  from  April  22nd,  1866  to  February  6th,  1869.  On  the 
same  day  as  the  resignation  of  Elder  C.  Cross  was  received,  a 
call  was  extended  to  Elder  W.  Parker  to  become  the  pastor  and 
he  served  the  church  until  April  6th,  1872.  Brother  F.  W. 
Smith,  a  student  supplied  for  a  while,  the  church  being  without 
a  settled  pastor,  until  the  last  of  March  1873.  Elder  James 
commenced  as  pastor  at  that  time.  During  the  summer  of  1873, 
many  desiring  a  new  cluuch,  it  was  decided  to  erect  a  new 
building  in  the  village  of  Cizenovia,  where  a  Sunday  school 
had  been  organized  about  the  12th  of  May,  1873,  ^^''^h  A.  J. 
Hammers,  a  son  of  Deacon  Hammers,  as  superintendent.  The 
new  churcii  having  been  completed,  it  was  dedicated  the  first 
Sunday  in  January  1874.  Elder  James  continued  as  pastor 
until  September  29th,  1877.  In  April  1878  Rew  J.  B.  Brown 
served  as  pastor  one  half  time,  and  in  April  1879  Rev.  Wood,  a 
student,  began  to  supply  the  church  and  continued  six  months. 
On  September  4th,  1880,  Elder  Wilson  began  to  serve  the 
church  as  pastor.  Elder  Graham  served  for  a  while  as  pastor 
and  on  December  13th,  1883,  Elder  Coffman  became  pastor, 
dividing  his  time  with  the  Roanoke  church.  On  November 
8th,  1885,  in  connection  with  the  Roanoke  churcli  a  call  was 


OF    WOODFORD    COUNTY,    ILLINOIS  11 

extended  to  Elder  Gregory  to  become  pastor  of  both  churches, 
which  call  he  accepted  and  served  until  September  25th,  1887, 
when  Brother  M.  M.  Lewis  became  pastor  and  on  August  4th, 
1888,  he  was  called  for  another  year.  In  October  1889  the 
church  called  Brother  Booth,  a  student,  who  also  served  the 
the  Roanoke  church,  remaining  as  pastor  until  some  time  in 

1890,  when  Brother  Berry  became  pastor,  and  on  January  i8th, 

1 891,  Rev.  Young  was  called  for  one  year,  and  at  the  close  of  his 
labor,  the  church  called  Rev.  C.  E.  Cady.  He  began  his  labors 
May  17th,  1892.  J.  F.  Sparks  commenced  his  work  in  October 
1893.  preaching  his  farewell  sermon  November  loth,  1895. 
The  last  pastor  was  H.  A.  Stonglite  in  1900.  This  closes  the 
history  of  the  first  Baptist  church  in  Woodford  county. 


CHAPTER   III. 

The  Metamora  Baptist  Church. 

HE  Metamora  Baptist  church  was  organized  December 
26th,  1850,  with  12  members,  who  were  originally 
from  Vermont,  New  York  and  New  Hampshire. 
They  wt-re  as  follows:  Elder  A  unjust  B.  Cramb, 
Jonathan  Sherman,  James  A.  Sherman,  Samuel 
Butterfield,  Wm.  Fisher,  Isabell  G.  Cramb,  Betsy  Sherman, 
Ophelia  Sherman,  Electa  Sherman,  Marie  Sherman,  Mrs.  Mary 
Butterfield,  Mrs.  Abbie  Fisher.  Elders  H.  G.  Weston,  G.  S. 
Baily  and  E    S    Freeman  were  present  at  the  organization. 

The  nearest  Baptist  churches  were  Richland,  five  miles 
north  and  Washington,  seven  miles  south.  Elder  Cramb,  who 
had  recently  been  ordained  at  Richland  and  preached  here  some 
time  previous  to  the  organization  of  a  church  under  the  patronage 
of  the  American  Baptist  Home  Missionary  Society,  became  the 
first  pastor.  The  church  united  with  the  Association  in  June 
1851,  having  18  members.  Ouing  to  poor  health  Elder  Cramb 
could  not  preach  all  the  time  and  Elder  J.  M.  Stooky  preached 
every  alternate  Sabbath  during  the  ill  health  of  Elder  Cramb. 


u.  or  lu.  ue. 


12  HISTORY    OF   THE    BAPTIST     CHURCHES 

In  the  year  1852,  arrangements  were  made  to  inclose  the 
meeting  house.  In  the  spring  of  1853  the  church  enjoyed  an 
interesting  revival,  the  pastor  being  assisted  by  Elder  G.  W. 
Benton  and  G.  S.  Baily.  The  meeting  was  held  in  the  Con- 
gregational church,  where  Elder  Cramb  had  been  invited  to 
preach  every  alternate  Sabbath.  A  general  awakening  took 
place  thru  all  the  community  and  additions  were  made  to  all  the 
churches.  At  the  next  meeting  of  the  Association  the  church 
reported  31  baptisms  and  62  members.  \n  the  fall  of  1853, 
owing  to  the  failing  health  of  Elder  Cramb,  he  was  compelled 
to  resign;  hoping  that  the  climate  of  the  Pacific  coast  would 
help  him,  he  accepted  an  appointment  of  the  Home  Mission 
Society  to  go  to  Oregon  as  a  missionary.  A  little  later  he  was 
compelled  to  abandon  the  idea  and  in  June  1855  he  went  to  St. 
Cloud,  Minn.,  but  his  health  still  failing  he  visited  New  York 
for  medical  aid  in  September  1856.  He  hoped  to  spend  the 
winter  in  the  south,  but  being  too  feeble  to  stand  the  trip,  he 
returned  to  Metamora  and  died  February  19th,  1857,  closing  his 
labors  as  a  taithtul  church  minister  at  thirty  years  of  age.  In 
February  1854  Elder  C.  D.  Merrit  became  pastor  of  the  church, 
preaching  every  alternate  Sabbath,  and  in  1854  the  church 
reported  four  baptisms  and  76  members.  During  the  summer 
of  1854,  the  house  having  been  completed,  it  was  dedicated 
November  22nd,  1854.  It  was  a  brick  structure  costing  about 
V-2000.  Toward  this  building  Deacon  Jonathan  Bacheller,  of 
Lynn,  Mass.,  had  contributed  $200.  In  the  spring  of  1855 
Elder  S.  A.  Estee  assisted  the  pastor  in  a  series  of  meetings 
during  which  three  were  baptized,  the  total  membership  being 
81.  In  the  fall  of  1855,  Elder  Merrit  being  remo\-ed  to  Was.i- 
burn  and  the  church  desiring  his- services  all  the  time,  he 
resigned  as  pastor  of  the  Metamora  cliurch.  G.  S.  Baily  became 
pastor  in  December  18^5  and  in  February  1856  Elder  Benjamin 
Thomas  assisted  the  pastor  in  a  series  of  meetings  and  eight 
persons  were  baptized,  making  the  membe^'ship  at  that  time  83. 
The  deacons  were  James    A.   Sherm.an,  Joseph   K.   Stitt  and 


OP   WOODFORD    COUNTY,    ILLINOIS  13 


Matthew  Tool;  clerk,  Edgar  Babcock.  Elder  Berry  served  the 
church  as  pastor  for  a  few  years.  I  am  not  able  to  find  out  hew 
lonn  he  was  there  and  the  records  beincr  lost  I  can  nDt  teli  who 
the  last  pastors  of  the  church  were.  The  building  was  conveyed 
to  the  German  Evangelical  Reformed  Lutheran  on  May  loth, 
1892,  by  the  folio vving  trustees;  J.  A.  McGuire,  Matthew 
Toole  and  J.  E.  Stitt, 


CHAPTER  IV. 

The  Washburn  Baptist  Church, 

HE  Washburn  Baptist  church  was  located  in  Woodford 
county  near  the  Marshall  county  line.  It  was  for- 
merly called  the  Half  Moon  Prairie  church,  for  the 
name  of  the  prairie  on  which  Washburn  now  stands. 
It  was  formed  from  members  of  the  Richland  church 
who  lived  on  the  prairie  in  1852.  It  was  made  up  of  28  members, 
principally  from  New  York,  some,  however,  from  Ohio,  New 
Hampshire,  Pennsylvania  and  Kentucky,  while  some  were 
natives  of  Illinois.  Elders  E.  S.  Freeman  and  W.  G.  Gordon 
were  present  at  the  organization  of  this  church.  Elder  E.  S 
Freeman  was  the  first  pastor,  commencing  his  labor  at  Wash- 
burn before  the  organization.  He  continued  to  preach  one  half 
time  for  a  year,  two  being  baptized  during  his  labor.  Elder  C. 
D  Merrit  became  paster  in  March  1853  and  the  church  enjoyed 
a  revival  under  his  labors  Their  house  of  worship  was  built 
in  the  fall  of  i8s4.  It  was  32x45  feet  and  cost  ^2200.  For  one 
vear  it  received  aid  from  the  Home  Missi'Hi  Society  and  was 
self  sustaining  afterward.  One  of  the  principal  founders  of  the 
church  was  Peieg  Sweet,  a  brother  of  Elder  Joel  Sweet.  He 
had  a  family  of  twelve  children,  four  sons  and  eight  daughters, 
all  members  of  the  church,  the  hu>bands  of  the  daughters  ha\'- 
ing  all  been  baptized,  and  nine  of  the  grand  children  all  on 
profession  of  faith,  making  over  thirty  in  his  family  belonging 
to  the  church.     The  membership  at  that  time  was  75.     Pastor, 


14  HISTORY    OF  THE    BAPTIST    CHURCHES 

C.  D.  Merrit;  deacons,  E.   A.  Sweet  and    Ebenezer    Dunham; 
clerk,  Tilton  Howard. 

About  1859  the  church  joined  the  Bloomington  Baptist 
Association.  In  i860  Eider  G.  S.  Baily  served  the  church  as 
pastor.  Elder  W.  E.  James  commenced  his  labors  as  pastor  in 
March  1868,  and  continued  until  1873.  Rev.  A.  B.  Tolmlinson 
served  as  pastor  to  1876,  and  J.  B,  Brown,  following  him, 
closed  his  labor  in  April  1878.  After  him  Rev.  John  Beal 
served  as  pastor  from  October  1878  until  March  1879  ^^"^  April 
1881  the  church  received  Rev.  J.  J.  Gorham  to  act  as  pastor, 
he  being  still  in  Morgan  Park  seminary.  On  July  2nd,  1882, 
at  a  meeting  held  after  church,  a  committee  was  appointed  to 
arrange  for  the  ordination  of  Brother  J.  J.  Gorham,  it  being 
decided  to  hold  the  ordination  services  on  August  29th,  1882, 
The  following  churches  were  invited  to  sit  in  council  with  the 
Washburn  church:  Belle  Plain,  Cazenovia,  Chenoa,  Clayton, 
Deer  Creek,  El  Paso,  Green  Valley,  Lacon,  Lexington,  lV\eta- 
mora,  ist  church  Peoria,  Roanoke,  Tonica  and  Tremont.  The 
council  proceded  to  organize  and  to  elect  oificers,  choosing  C.  E. 
Hewitt,  D.  D.,  of  Peoria,  moderator;  Rev.  L.  C.  Morehouse,  of 
El  Paso,  clerk.  Having  examined  the  candidate  and  finding  him 
ready  for  ordination,  the  service  u  a>  as  follows:  Sermon,  C. 
E.  Hewitt,  D.  D.,  of  Peoria;  ordination  prayer.  Rev.  VV.  H. 
Carmicle,  of  Lexington;  hand  of  fellov\  ship,  Rev.  A.  C.  Kelly, 
of  Tremont;  charge  to  candidate.  Rev.  O.  B.  Reed,  of  Lacon; 
charge  to  church.  Rev.  J.  B.  Brown,  of  Chenoa;  benediction  by 
ca  ^.didate.     The  church  property  was  sold  February  i6th,  1897. 


OF  WOODFORD  COUNTY,    ILLINOIS  15 

CHAPTER  V. 

The  Panola  Baptist  Church. 

]HE  first  record  we  have  of  the  Panola  Baptist  church 
was  on  October  22nd,  1856,  at  which  time  a  regular 
covenant  meetincr  was  held  at  the  Hammers  school 
house.  The  church  secured  as  piistor  for  one  fourth 
time  Brother  W.  Branch.  He  commenced  to  preach 
there  October  15th.  1856  In  the  year  1857  the  church  sent 
the  first  letter  to  the  Illinois  River  Association.  On  January 
25th,  1857,  it  elected  its  first  deacons,  Brothers  Robert  Evans 
and  John  M.  Patton  being  chosen.  The  first  baptism  recorded 
was  on  November  i^th,  18S7,  administered  by  Elder  G.  S. 
Baily.  In  December  1857  Thomas  Patterson,  Joseph  M.  Patton, 
Joseph  T.  Hammers,  Samuel  Hammers  and  D,  W.  Hurt  were 
appointed  trustees.  At  the  same  meeting  a  building  committee 
was  appointed  composed  of  Thomas  Patterson,  R.  J.  Evans  and 
Jacob  C.  Mvers;  it  was  also  decided  to  continue  the  labors  of 
Brother  Branch  until  April  15th.  He  remained  with  the  church 
until  May   ist,  1858. 

Elder  F.  Ketchem  commenced  his  labors  as  pastor  on 
Ma\-  5th.  1858.  On  January  Qth,  1858,  the  railroad  offered 
the  church  a  donation  of  two  lots  on  wh'ch  to  build  a  house  of 
worship  and  the  church  acceptfd  the  same.  Owing  to  the 
weakness  of  the  church  a  request  was  sent  to  the  Home  Mission 
Socit^v  for  ^200  to  help  pay  Elder  P.  Ketchem's  salary  and  it 
wa'^  granted  July  3rd,  1858.  On  July  31st,  1858,  at  a  regular 
covenant  meeting  it  was  voted  to  hold  meetings  in  the  Hammers 
neighborhood,  commencing  the  fourth  Sabbath  in  August,  and 
at  the  same  meeting  Thomas  Patterson  was  elected  treasurer. 
On  January  ist,  1839,  delegates  were  sent  from  the  Panola 
Baptist  church  to  organize  a  Baptist  church  at  the  home  of  James 
Huxtable,  to  be  known  as  the  Clayton  Baptist  church.  Not 
having  completed  their  church,  services  were  held  in  a  hall  and 
the  church   voted  to   continue   the  labors  of  Elder  F.  Ketchem 


16  HISTORY    OF   THE   BAPTIST    CHURCHES 

another  year.  June  4th,  the  church  sent  as  delegates  the  pastor 
and  Brother  Thomas  Patterson  to  Peoria  to  lielp  recognize  a 
Baptist  church  there.  The  church  decided  to  stiil  retain  the 
labors  of  Elder  Ketchem  for  another  year  and  voted  to  divide 
the  time  with  the  Pontiac  church.  At  the  same  meeting  Elder 
Ketchem  and  Brother  J.  T»  Hammers  were  appointed  as  dele- 
gates to  sit  in  council  to  organize  the  church  at  F'ontiac.  Owing 
to  some  of  the  records  being  lost  1  could  not  tell  just  when  Elder 
F.  Ketchem  closed  his  labors  and  when  Elder  Stimson  began.  The 
records  show  the  resignation  of  Elder  Stimson  March  8th,  1862. 
On  August  23rd-,  1862,  the  Panola  church  called  Elder  C.  Skinner 
to  serve  as  pastor  for  six  months,  in  August  1863,  the  church 
was  without  a  pastor  and  no  regular  covenant  meeting  had  beei> 
held  for  some  tin^e.  Elder  Sampson  had  preached  there  part 
time.  The  church  called  as  pastor  Elder  J.  Cromwell  June  4th, 
1864,  and  on  February  4th,  1865,  he  was  retained  as  pastor  for 
another  year.  Elder  W.  Parker,  having  held  a  meeting  the 
following  winter  tlie  church  extended  him  a  call  for  one  half 
time  which  he  accepted.  On  October  6th,  1866,  the  Panola 
Baptist  church  decided  to  dedicate  their  new  house  of  worship, 
October  28th,  '866  bein^  fixed  as  time  of  dedication.  The 
services  took  place  on  the  day  appointed,  the  following  brethren 
taking  pan:  Rev.  A.  Goss,  F.  Ketchem,  B.  F.  Scrivin-^,  G. 
Kent,  S.  S  Robinson  and  Elder  Cromw  ell.  Elder  Goss  preached 
the  dedication  sermon  from  Zachariah  4-6.  Elder  Ketchem  gave 
a  history  of  the  early  struggles  of  the  church  up  to  that  time. 
The  cost  of  the  church  v\  as  ^3104.  In  a  series  of  meetings 
held  by  Elder  Goss  immediately  following  the  dedication,  many 
were  converted  and  joined  the  church.  It  seems  that. the  church 
records  are  lost  from  November  17th,  1866,  until  January  26th, 
1867,  but  Elder  William  Parker  was  serving  as  pastor  a  part  of 
the  time  at  least.  On  January  4th,  1868,  he  was  called  to  strve 
as  pastor  the  following  year.  At  a  meeting  held  July  3rd,  1868 
Brother  Skinner  resigned  as  church  clerk  and  Brother  J.  S.  Evans 
was  elected  to  fill  the  vacancy-     He  served  until  December  5th, 


OF    WOODFORD    COUNTY,    ILLINOIS  17 

1868,  when  Cyrus  Dix  was  elected  to  take  his  place.  Elder 
W.  Parker  resigned  on  Januar\'  2nd,  1869,  the  same  to  take 
effect  on  April  ist,  1869.  On  March  2otlT,  Elder  R.  C.  Palmer 
commenced  his  labors  as  pastor  and  continued  until  January 
ist,  1872.  March  ist,  1872,  the  church  called  Elder  G.  N. 
Drurry  to  become  pastor.  He  accepted  the  call  and  continued 
until  August  1882.  Those  serving  the  church  as  pastors  from 
November  i6th,  1884  to  May  19th,  1889,  were  Elder  A.  R. 
Morgan,  Elder  G.  S.  Duff  and  Brother  W.  A.  Nelson.  As  the 
records  are  incomplete,  we  are  unable  to  tell  how  long  each 
served.  On  June  nth,  1889,  the  church  met  in  council  for  the 
purpose  of  ordaining  Rev.  W.  A.  NeisDU  to  the  gospel  ministr)\ 
The  ordination  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  J.  L.  Jackson, 
D.  D.;  the  ordination  prayer,  Rev.  E.  C.  Cady;  hand  of  fellow- 
ship, J.  H.  Neuman;  charge  to  candidate,  A.  H.  Rhodes;  charge 
to  the  church.  Rev.  J.  B.  Brown;  benediction.  Rev.  W.  A. 
Nelson.  Moderator,  F.  W.  Smith;  clerk,  J.  C  Ship.  Just  how 
long  Rev.  W.  A.  Nelson  remained  as  pastor  of  the  church  the 
records  fail  to  show. 

A  )'oung  people's  society  was  organized  May  17th,  1889. 
A  part  of  the  year  1894  Elder  J.  P.  Howard  served  the  church 
part  of  the  time.  On  July  1901  a  meeting  was  called  for  the  pur- 
pose of  disposing  of  the  Panola  Baptist  church.  It  was  voted  to 
sell  the  church  to  the  United  Evangelical  church  for  the  sum  of 
^450,  the  same  to  be  turned  over  to  the  Baptsit  Association 
and  it  was  decided  to  turn  the  records  of  the  church  over  to  the 
El  Paso  Baptist  church  to  be  preserved  by  the  church  clerk. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

The  El  Paso  Baptist  Church. 

~°        HE    El  Paso    Baptist   church    was   organized    January 

T22nd,  1858,  the  organization  being  effected  at  a  meet- 
ing held  in  the  old  Crawford  hall,  which  at  that  time 
— " —      stood  on  the  corner  just  west  of  where  John  Engel's 
residence    now  stands.     For   several  years  services 
were  held  at  the  homes  of  the  various  members  and  in  halls 


IS  HISTORY   OF  THE   BAPTIST    CHURCHES 

and  rooms  down  town.  The  cliarter  membes  of  the  El  Paso 
church  were:  Rev.  and  Mrs.  Branch,  Anthony  Daffam,  Mrs. 
Sarah  Daffam,  Lewis  McOmber  and  wife,  James  Crawford  and 
wife,  James  T.  Hewitt,  Mrs.  H.  M.  McOmber,  H.  H.  Hewitt, 
Miss  A.  Whittaker,  Miss  Deborah  Whittaker  and  hene 
McOmber. 

Rev.  Branch  served  as  pastor  until  i860,  and  was  followed 
by  Elder  S.  F.  Stimson,  who  remained  until  December  1865. 
It  was  during  his  pastorate  that  the  first  house  of  worship  was 
erected.  It  was  torn  down  during  the  summer  of  1911  to  make 
room  for  a  new  church.  It  was  dedicated  in  December  1864, 
and  it  was  built  during  tlie  closing  scenes  of  the  war  and  many 
difficulties  were  encountered  in  its  erection  as  were  also  in  the 
erection  of  the  M.  E.  church  the  same  year. 

Following  Elder  S.  F.  Stimson  came  A.  H.  Stowell,  who 
served  the  church  one  year,  being  succeeded  by  Rev.  R.  C. 
Palmer,  who  served  the  church  one  year  and  improved  the  farm 
now  owned  by  W.  Strickland.  A.  B.  White  came  next  and 
served  one  year,  after  whicli  J.  E.  Ingham  was  in  charge  two 
years.  J.  F.  Minian  came  the  next  year  and  in  1873  R^^'-  S. 
B.  Gilbert  became  pastor  and  remained  three  years.  Rev.  J. 
B.  Hutton  served  from  November  1878  to  January  1882.  During 
the  summer  of  1882  Rev.  L.  C.  Morehouse  was  chosen  pastor 
an  J  served  for  the  next  two  years,  when  Rev.  E.  C.  Cady  came 
to  the  charge.  During  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Cady  the  old 
William  Jenkins'  residence  was  purchased  for  a  parsonage. 
R-v.  E.  C.  Cady  served  as  pastor  until  1890.  After  a  brief 
period  without  a  pastor  the  church  called  Rev.  J.  F.  Howard, 
who  was  chosen  in  November  1890,  serving  the  church  over 
ten  years.  On  July  ist,  1901,  Rev.  W.  A.  Fuller  commenced 
his  pastorate  and  remained  until  October  1910.  For  almost  two 
years  the  church  was  without  a  pastor.  During  the  latter  part 
of  Rev.  Fuller's  pastorate  he  advocated  a  new  church  building. 
In  this  connection  we  are  able  to  chronicle  the  peculiar  fact 
that  a  magnificent  church  building  has  been  erected  without  a 


OF    WOODFORD    COUNTY,    ILLINOIS  19 

pastor.  The  buildin,o;  committee  consisted  of  A  C.  Jones,  W. 
H.  North,  I.  B.  Hammers,  Harvey  Leonard  and  Omer  North, 
with  L.  K.  Evans  as  treasurer,  who  had  full  control  of  all  the 
work.  The  building  contract  was  let  to  James  A.  Reichel.  The 
church  and  its  equipment  cost  approximately  $18,250,  all  of 
which  was  raised  before  the  dedication,  except  ^3,'5oo.  This 
latter  sum  was  easily  raised  with  enough  additional  to  make  the 
sum  $4,060.  All  this  sum  was  raised  approximately  among  the 
members  of  the  Baptist  congregation,  except  about  $1,000. 
About  two-thirds  of  the  entire  sum  was  subscribed  by  twelve 
members  of  the  church  as  follows:  Mrs.  Eunice  Evans,  1^5, 500; 
A.  C.  Jones,  $i,Soo;  J.  W.  Ostler,  $1,000;  P.  L.  Jones,  $^750; 
Miss  Anna  Tipler,  ^'750;  W.  H.  North,  $600;  Charles  North, 
$600;  Omer  North,  $600;  James  North,  $600;  Lewis  L.  North, 
$600;  IV\rs.  Will  Gibbs,  $500;  L  B.  Hammers,  $500.  Other 
members  gave  liberally  but  we  have  mentioned  only  those  who 
gave  $500  or  more.  Mrs.  Eunice  Evans,  besides  her  magnificent 
gift  toward  the  church  building,  has  furnished  ;he  ladies'  parlor 
at  an  estimated  cost  of  $200  On  April  14th,  1912,  all  the 
churches  in  the  city  united  in  the  dedication  services,  the  follow- 
ing program  being  given,  beginning  at  10:45  a.  m  : 

PROGRAM 

Organ  prelude.  Mable  Clarie  Jones,  of  Bloomington. 

Anthem,  chorus  from  the  various  church  choirs. 

Scripture  reading. 

Hymn. 

Invocation. 

Vocal  solo,  Grace  D.  Hastings,  of  Bloomington. 

Announcements. 

Anthem. 

Sermon,  Dr.  E.  P.  Brand,  of  Normal. 

Hymn. 

Report  of  building  committee. 

Dedication  prayer. 

Dedication  hymn. 

Benediction. 

Postlude,  Miss  Jones. 


20 


HISTORY   OF  THE   BAPTIST    CHURCHES 


7:30  P.  M. 

Organ  prelude,  Miss  Jones. 

Evening  hymn,    Miss    Barbara    Toussing,    Miss    Bertha 
Barlow,  L.  K.  Evans  and  Eddy  McOmber. 
Vocal  solo.  Miss  Hastings. 
Anthem,  chorus. 
Scripture  reading  and  prayer. 
Anthem  and  chorus. 
Sermon,  Dr.  Brand. 
Closing  hymn. 
Postlude. 

Revs.  Klopp,  McNemar,  Woolley  and  Cressy,  pastors  of 
the  other  churches  of  El  Paso,  were  given  an  opportunity  to 
speak  a  few  words  during  the  evening,  and  each  personally 
expressed  a  message  of  congratulation  on  behalf  of  their  congre- 
gations. Rev.  Morehouse  also  spoke  a  few  words  of  congratu- 
lation to  the  congregation  over  which  he  presided  over  a 
generation  ago. 

On  September  ist,  1912,  Rev.  Frank  M.  Spooner,  of 
Toledo,  Ohio,  began  his  pastorate. 

The  present  officers  are  as  follows:  Deacons,  W.  H. 
North,  J.  W.  Ostler,  A.  C.  Jones;  trustees,  James  R.  North, 
L.  L.  North,  Frank  L.  Jones,  Charles  North,  John  W.  North, 
L.  K.  Evans;  clerk,  J.  W,  Ostler;  treasurer,  L.  K.  Evans. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


The  Meridian  Baptist  Church. 


FEW  Baptist  members  living  in  the  vicinity  of  the 

A  Washington  school  house,  Linn  township,  Woodford 

^*'         county,    had    been    holding   meetings   from   time  to 

time   for  some  eight  months.    Elder    C.    D.    Merrit 

preaching  for  them   every    two   weeks   on    Sunday 

afternoons.     Early  in  the  winter  there  seemed  to  be  unusual 

interest  in  the  prayer  meetings,  a  deep  solemnity  under  the 


OF    WOODFORD    COUNTY,    ILLINOIS  21 

preaching  of  the  gospel  and  the  few  members  resolved  to  form 
themselves  into  a  church  for  which  purpose  they  appointed  a 
meeting  on  Saturday,  January  17th,  '857. 

According  to  appointment  a  number  met,  meeting  called 
to  order  by  Elder  Merrit  who  also  opened  the  exercises  by 
prayer,  after  which  the  following  persons  presented  their  letters 
from  sister  churches:  S.  R.  Davison;  A.  M.  Davison,  E.  R.  Nye, 
D.  L.  Nye,  E.  D.  Davison,  Mary  S.  Davison,  A.  L.  Davison, 
Emilv  J.  Davison.  Atthe  same  time  A.  C.  Atwood  was  received 
for  baptism.  E.  R.  Nye  was  chosen  clerk.  They  voted  to  call 
the  body  The  Meridian  Baptist  church  and  adopted  as  the  expres- 
sion of  their  faith  The  Articles  of  Faith  and  Church  Covenant 
adopted  by  the  New  Hampshire  State  Convention  and  published 
in  the  Encyclopedia  of  Religious  Knowledge. 

Sunday,  the  first  day  of  February,  was  the  usual  time 
for  holding  preaching  service  by  Elder  Merrit  after  which  A.  C. 
Atwood  was  baptized.  The  church  decided  to  protract  the 
meeting  from  evening  to  evening.  The  Lord  heard  their  prayer 
and  precious  souls  were  converted. 

On  February  7th  four  persons  were  received  for  baptism 
and  on  the  next  day  they  were  baptized  and  received  into  the 
church.     Also  one  received  by  letter. 

Saturday,  February  14th,  seven  were  received  for  bap- 
tism and  four  by  letter.  Eight  persons  were  baptized  at  the 
close  of  the  service. 

On  March  14th,  1857,  S.  R.  Davison  and  N.  L.  Davison 
were  elected  deacons. 

The  church  invited  a  council  to  meet  at  their  usual  place 
of  worship  to  take  into  consideration  the  propriety  of  recognizing 
their  body  an  independent  church  on  Wednesday,  April  29th, 
1857.  Elder  Fuller  was  voted  the  solicitor  to  invite  the  follow- 
ing churches:  Peoria  first  church,  Peoria,  Adams  street  church, 
Tremout,  Metamora,, Washburn,  Morton,  Richland,  Belle  Plain 
and  Panola  churches.  According  to  appointment  the  council 
met  on  April  29th,  and  after  making  all  necessary  inquiry  and 


22  HISTORY    OF   THE    BAPTIST    CHURCHES 

receiving  satisfaction  unanimously  resolved  to  recognize  tlieni 
as  a  churcli  with  the  following  exercises:  Reading  of  the 
scriptures,  Elder  Whittaker,  Tremont  church;  sermon,  Rev.  H. 
G.  Weston,  Peoria  First  church;  recognition  prayer,  Rev.  C.  D. 
Merrit,  Washburn  church;  right  hand  of  fellowship,  Rev.  W.  M. 
Brooks,  Belle  Plain  church;  charge,  Rev.  J.  Edminster,  Peoria 
Adams  street  church. 

S.  R.  Davison,  J.  M.  Davison,  S.  S.  Jackman  and  S.  J. 
Shepler  went  as  delegates  to  the  association  held  at  Brimfield 
June  loth,  1857. 

Elder  M.  L.  Fuller  was  hired  to  preach  half  the  time  for 
one  year. 

March  14th,  1858,  five  were  received  into  the  church  by 
baptism.  Elder  Fuller  tendered  his  resignation  on  April  12th, 
1858,  which  was  accepted  and  a  call  was  given  to  Elder  C.  D. 
Merrit,  who  preached  the  next  Sunday.  He  said  that  his  church 
at  Washburn  could  not  give  him  up  but  that  he  would  come 
and  preach  as  often  as  he  could.  Elder  Brooks  also  preached 
at  times.  The  services  of  B.  F.  Scriven,  of  New  York,  were 
finally  secured,  he  agreeing  to  preach  each  alternate  Sunday 
for  ^'140  per  year  and  commenced  his  labors  on  Sunday,  July 
4th,  1858.  Sunday,  December  29th,  Brother  Scriven  was 
ordained  as  a  minister,  the  churches  at  Metamora,  Belle  Plain, 
Washburn  and  Richland  assisting  in  the  ordination. 

On  Sunday,  January  2nd,  1859,  ten  persons  were  re- 
ceived into  the  church,  five  by  baptism  and  five  by  letter  and 
experience,  and  on  January  9th  five  were  received  by  baptism. 
January  nth  six  more  were  baptized  and  received.  January 
23rd  two  more  were  baptized. 

On  March  5th,  1858,  Rev.  Scriven  was  hired  for  another 
year  for  ^300  to  preach  every  Sunday. 

During  the  winter  of  1858-59  the  public  school  at  the 
Washington  school  house  was  taught  bv  P.  H.  Davison.  He 
had  some  trouble  with  some  of  the  larger  boys  and  punished 
some  quite  severely  which  caused  quite  a  feeling  in  the  neigh- 


OF    WOODFORD    COUNTY,    ILLINOIS  23 

borhood  anJ  the  trouble  was  finally,  very  foolishly,  brought  into 
the  church.  A  division  sprang  up  during  the  summer  and  several 
members  withdrew  from  the  church,  the  most  of  them  joining 
with  the  Belle  Plain  Baptist  church  situated  just  over  the  line 
in  Marshall  county.  The  remaining  members  continued  holding 
services  but  changed  the  place  of  worship  from  the  Washington 
school  house  to  the  Jefferson  school  house,  two  miles  east. 

No  church  record  can  be  found  from  the  spring  of  1859 
to  the  fall  of  1869.  As  near  as  can  be  remembered  by  people 
now  living  who  were  members  of  the  church  at  that  time,  Elder 
B.  F.  Scrivi.n  continued  preaching  until  the  spring  of  i860. 

The  next  pastor  hired  was  Elder  Hamilton  Sampson,  it 
is  not  known  just  how  long  Elder  Sampson  preached  but  was 
probably  two  years.  He  had  three  sons,  all  ot  them  enlisting 
in  the  army  and  all  three  died  before  they  had  been  in  tlie 
service  a  year.  Shortly  after  this  Elder  Sampson  quit  preaching 
as  the  records  of  the  Belle  Plain  church  show  that  he  and  his 
wife  put  their  membership  in  that  church  October  26th,  1862. 

No  more  regular  services  were  held  during  the  remainder 
of  the  war  and  for  some  years  after,  when  a  few  of  the  remain- 
ing members  with  the  assistance  of  brethren  from  Minonk, 
Belle  Plain  and  other  churches  assisted  by  Elder  Merrit  and 
Moses  Parker  commenced  a  series  of  meetings  December  12th, 
1869  which  resulted  in  the  conversion  of  many  souls  and  the 
resuscitation  of  the  church. 

During  the  succeeding  summer  the  church  procured  the 
ministerial  services  of  Elder  C.  D.  Merrit  every  alternate  Sun- 
day. A  very  interesting  Sunday  school  was  also  held  with  John 
M.  Davison  as  superintendent.  During  the  year  1871  Elder 
Moses  Parker  preached  half  the  time,  being  employed  by  the 
Clayton  Baptist  church  the  other  half.  Elder  Isaiah  Reed 
preached  in  1872  and  in  1873  no  regular  services  were  held.  \n 
1874  Elder  James  preached  occasionally;  in  1875  no  regular  ser- 
vices, in  January  1876  the  church  procured  the  services  of  Elder 
Charles  Sands  for  regular  Sabbath  preaching.     He  preached  at 


24  HISTORY    OF   THE    BAPTIST     CHURCHES 

the  Belle  Plain  church  in  the  forenoon  and  at  Meridian  church 
in  the  afternoon  until  1882.  During  the  winter  of  1877  a  series 
of  meetings  were  held  and  much  good  accomplished  and  at  the 
close  of  the  meeting  thirty-one  were  baptized,  seventeen  joining 
with  the  Belle  Plain  church  and  fourteen  with  the  Meridian 
church.  Regular  preaching  service  and  Sabbath  school  during 
the  remainder  of  Elder  Sands'  pastorate,  he  resigning  in  1882. 
In  1883  Elder  A.  J.  Ammerman  was  called  as  pastor  for  one 
year.  Many  of  thie  members  moved  away  from  time  to  time 
and  after  Rev.  Ammerman's  pastorate  no  regular  services  were 
held,  althoug.i  Sunday  school  was  kept  up  with  the  exception  of 
a  few  years  and  preaching  a  part  of  the  time  by  ministers  from 
Minonk  and  Benson.  On  January  26th,  1888,  a  special  meet- 
ing was  held  at  the  residence  of  Elder  Sands,  who  still  continued 
to  live  in  the  neighborhood,  and  A.  H.  Parks,  the  church  clerk, 
was  authorized  to  grant  letters  to  all  v\'orthy  members  and  the 
church  disbanded. 

During  the  spring  of  1893  the  Sunday  school  was  again 
organized, the  attendance  being  good,  it  was  decided  to  invite  Rev. 
H.  D.  Morwood,  who  was  pastor  of  the  Benson  Baptist  church  at 
that  time,  to  hold  preaching  services.  In  October  of  the  same 
year  a  series  of  revival  meetings  were  held  which  resulted  in 
the  conversion  and  baptism  of  eleven  persons,  some  of  them 
uniting  with  the  Minonk  church  and  the  balance  with  the  Benson 
church.  Rev.  Morwood  resigned  in  May  1898.  Since  thattime 
the  following  pastors  of  the  Benson  Baptist  church  have  con- 
tinued the  preaching  service  every  Sunday  afternoon.  Sunday- 
school  has  also  been  regularly  held.  Rev.  W.  L.  Jones  from 
November  5th,  1898  to  August  27th,  1899,  Rev.  J.  S.  Marple 
from  October  ist,  1899  to  October  ist,  1900,  Rev.  George  N. 
Spencer  from  October  30th,  1900  to  May  25th,  1902,  Rev.  F. 
N.  Johnson  from  August  31st,  1902  to  the  spring  of  1906,  Rev. 
Edgar  Ford  from  March  28th,  1906  to  February  24th,  1907, 
Rev.  E.  E.  Kraus  from  June  9th.  1907  to  August  29th,  1909, 
Rev.  Harry  Weddington  from  October  24th,   1909  to  October 


DF  WOODFORD  COUNTY,   IXLTNOTS  25 

ist,  1910,  Rev.  W.  E.  Tharp  from  December  20th,  191 1  to — . 

During  Elder  Johnson's  pastorate  a  meeting  was  called 
to  consider  the  re-organization  of  the  church  but  it  was  decided 
to  become  a  mission  of  the  Benson  Baptist  church.  Although 
not  an  independent  organized  church,  regular  preaching  service 
and  Sunday  school  are  now  held  with  very  good  attendance. 

The  present  superintendent,  Victor  Davison,  was  elected 
to  that  office  when  he  was  sixteen  vears  old  so  the  old  Meridian 
church  is  among  the  oldest  in  years  of  service  and  has  the 
youngest  Sunday  school  superintendent  of  any  Baptist  church 
in  the  county. 


T 


CHAPTER   Vm. 

The  Minonk  Baptist  Church. 

HE  Minonk  Baptist  church  was  organized  June  6th, 
1858,  consisting  ot  fifteen  charter  members.  A,  H. 
Danforth  was  chosen  the  first  clerk  and  was  the  only 
one  left  of  the  original  members  at  the  fiftieth  anni- 
versary. Acting  on  the  invitation  of  the  members, 
a  council  was  convened  for  the  purpose  of  examining  the  mem- 
bers in  regard  to  church  doctrines  and  articles  of  faith.  Having 
found  that  they  were  orthodox,  it  was  recognized  as  an  inde- 
pendent church.  The  pastors  present  were  Rev.  G.  S.  Baily, 
Metamora;  Rev.  F.  Ketchem,  Panola;  Rev. .  C.  D.  Merrit, 
Washburn;  and  the  Richland  church  was  represented  by  Elder 
M.  L.  Fuller,  The  church  was  officially  recognized  on  June 
2oth,  1858.  The  services  were  held  in  the  East  Side  school 
building  until  the  church  was  built.  On  July  30th,  1859, 
having  been  without  a  pastor  for  13  months,  a  call  was  extended 
to  Rev.  C.  D.  Merrit.  At  this  time  Berry  Hall  had  succeeded 
A.  H.  Danforth  as  clerk.  He  was  to  collect  $11.00  to  pay  for 
a  lot  upon  which  to  build  a  church.  We  must  remember  that 
lots  at  that  time  were  on  the  open  prairie.  In  March  i860  the 
church  voted  to  allow  Rev.  C.  D.  Merrit  to  preach  half  time  at 
the  Belle  Plain  church. 


26  HISTORY   OF  THE   BAPTIST    CHURCHES 

Many  from  this  organization  being  enlisted  in  the  army, 
they  still  kept  in  touch  with  the  church  by  writing  letters  and 
receiving  letters  from  the  members.  Having  been  without  a 
church  building  for  six  years,  they  decided  to  build.  The  church 
having  been  completed  it  was  dedicated  October  3oth,  1864.  The 
building  committee  consistel  of  Rev.  C.  D.  Merrit,  D.  P.  Ken- 
yon,  J.  P.  Danforth,  S.  D  and  M,  A.  Gushing.  The  cost  of 
the  building,  completed  was  $-^,,6^1.  The  dedication  taking 
place  a  bright,  clear  Sunday.  The  butlding  was  considered  a 
fine  structure  for  that  time.  The  original  church  went  thru 
many  changes  and  still  to  the  older  members  it  was  still  the  old 
church.  A  man  by  the  name  of  Baily  was  the  builder,  he  being 
assisted  much  by  volunteer  work  by  some  of  the  members. 
Sometime,  we  do  not  know  just  when,  a  Baptist  church  situated 
seven  miles  west,  came  and  united  with  the  Minonk  church.  \n 
the  year  1873,  ^^""^  original  church  being  small  to  house  the 
congregation,  it  was  decided  to  build  an  addition  of  16  feet  to 
the  north  end  of  the  structure.  The  membership  was  then  2C0. 
The  following  men  were  appointed  a  committee  to  raise  funds 
and  to  superintend  the  work;  Rev.  C.  D.  Merrit,  J.  A.  Simpson 
and  A.  H.  Danforth.  \n  July  the  contract  was  let  to  S.  A. 
Baily  for  ;^85o,  the  total  expense  being  ^968.90.  For  a  period 
of  a  few  years  the  church  enjoyed  great  prosperity,  receiving 
many  new  members  and  good  work  was  done. 

On  Sunday  morning,  January  30,  after  having  served 
the  church  for  nearly  seventeen  years  as  its  pastor,  Rev.  C.  D. 
Merrit  informed  his  congregation  that  it  was  his  wish  to  resign 
his  labors  as  pastor,  the  same  to  take  effect  in  February.  The 
church  still  wishing  to  retain  him  as  pastor  decided  not  to  accept 
his  resignation  so  that  he  continued  as  pastor.  But  in  the  fol- 
lowing year  he  again  offered  his  resignation,  saying  that  he 
would  be  obliged  to  leave  on  account  of  his  wife's  health.  They 
accepted  his  resignation  and  drafted  resolutions  in  regard  to  the 
Christian  fellowship  of  pastor  and  church. 

After  a  month's  deliberation  and  consideration,  on  March 


OF   WOODFORD    COUXTV,    ILLINOIS  27 

4th,  1887,  a  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  George  Sutlierland  to 
become  pastor  and  he  retiiained  with  the  church  until  April  i;th, 
1879.  The  next  pastor  was  A.  J.  Caldwell,  extending  from 
June  ist,  1880  to  May  i6th,  1881.  Rev.  J.  J.  Shipp  was  the 
next  pastor.  He  closed  his  labors  on  August  24th,  1882.  One 
event  of  his  pastorate  was  his  marriage  to  Miss  Gertrade  Miller 
in  the  church  at  an  evening  service.  The  next  pastor  was  Rev. 
Minch,  who  held  the  pastorate  from  October  8th,  1882  to  Janu- 
ary 20th,  1884.  For  a  short  time  the  church  vv^as  supplied  by 
Rev.  S,  B.  Rundler.  A  little  later  a  call  was  extended  to  Elder 
Coffman  and  after  him  came  Rev.  Burnham.  Until  this  time 
the  church  had  no  parsonage,  the  pastor  living  wherever  he 
could  get  a  house.  Brother  Burnham  started  the  move  to  build 
a  parsonage.  A  building  committe  was  appointed,  the  cost  not 
to  exceed  f"8oo.  Brother  Burnham  resigned  soon  after  its  com- 
pletion and  Brother  Shipp  took  up  the  work,  remaining  three 
years.  In  iSgj  the  whole  design  of  the  church  was  changed, 
the  total  cost  was  ^1324.  In  July  1892  Brother  Shipp  resigned 
and  was  followed  by  Rev.  Swift.  While  Brother  Swift  was 
there  he  was  ordained.  Rev.  Wiley  commenced  his  labors  in 
June  1892  and  remained  four  years.  Rev.  Moon  followed  and 
after  him  came  Rev.  Wallace,  who  commenced  his  labors  in 
July  1900.  About  this  time  the  church  began  to  think  about 
erecting  a  new  building.  Mrs. S.M.  Parks  died  in  December  1902, 
and  in  her  will  she  set  aside  $2000  as  a  nucleus  for  a  new  church. 
While  this  was  a  good  start,  had  not  the  minister,  Rev.  Wallace, 
and  the  trustees  urged  and  planned  for  a  new  building  it  is 
doubtful  whether  anything  would  have  been  done.  Rev.  Wallace 
resigned  in  June  1906,  having  worked  hard  for  a  new  church 
and  having  constantly  kept  the  new  church  project  before  the 
congregation.  After  him  came  Rev.  McCormick,  who  led  the 
people  thru  the  trying  period  of  erecting  a  new  house  of  worship. 
The  old  church  building  was  torn  down  July  1907  and  the  same 
month  ground  was  broken  for  the  new  church.  \n  November 
1907  the  corner  stone  was  laid  with  due  ceremony,  and  the 


28  HISTORY    OF   THE   BAPTIST    CHURCHES 

building  continued  all  winter.  The  church  services  were  held 
in  the  Woodman  hall  and  in  the  German  Baptist  church  during 
the  period  of  the  erection  of  the  new  building.  The  dedication 
service  began  at  lo  a.  m.,  January  3rd,  1909,  presided  over  by 
Rev.  Wallace,  a  former  pastor,  the  protestant  churches  and 
pastors  taking  part  in  the  exercises.  The  dedication  sermon 
was  delivered  by  Rev.  J.  B.  Thomas,  of  Chicago. 

Brother  Baker,  of  Walnut,  became  pastor  on  January 
24th,  1909,  and  a  council  was  called  to  ordain  him.  It  convened 
for  that  purpose  on  June  22nd,  1909.  The  council  was  organ- 
ized by  electing  Brother  Wallace,  of  Utica,  moderator,  and 
Brother  Barnet,  of  Clinton,  clerk.  Sixteen  delegates  were  pres- 
ent, representing  eight  churches.  The  ordination  sermon  was 
delivered  by  Rev.  Baker,  the  ordination  prayer  by  Rev.  Straus, 
of  Benson;  charge  to  candidate  Rev.  Fuller,  of  El  Paso;  charge 
to  church.  Rev.  Shipp,  Graymont;  benediction  by  the  candidate. 
Rev.  Baker  served  the  church  until  November  7th,  1909,  when 
a  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  W.  H.  Trolliver,  of  Indiana,  to 
become  its  pastor.  He  closed  his  work  there  April  ist,  1912. 
On  August  ist,  19T2,  Rev.  J.  C.  Granger  took  charge  of  the 
church  as  its  pastor.  The  officers  are  as  follows:  Trustees, 
A.  H.  Parks,  Tom  Pickard,  Heddo  Vosberg,  R.  H.  Parks,  W. 
S.  Morrison,  C.  E.  Ridge  and  Otto  Ravnehorst;  deacons,  James 
Ridge,  H.  P.  Parks,  Jacob  McChesney,  William  Hohlen  and 
Joseph  Pickard.     Present  membership  2i4. 


CHAPTER    IX. 

The  Clayton  Baptist  Church. 

HE  Clayton  Baptist  church  was  organized  at  the  home 
of  Deacon  Huxtable  abouti862,  by  Rev.  M.  L.  Fuller, 
one  of  the  pioneer  Baptist  preachers  of  Illinois, 
assisted  by  Rev.  Sampson  and  Rev.  Hedlock.  The 
meetings  were  held  in  the  home  of  Deacon  Huxtable 
until  the  building  of  the  church  in  i866.     The  dedication  took 


OF   WOODFORD    COUNTY,    ILLINOIS  29 

place  under  the  pastorate  of  Elder  William  Parker,  who  served 
as  pastor  for  three  years.  He  was  followed  by  Georo;e  Reed, 
who  remained  pastor  four  years.  He  was  followed  by  Elder 
Regan,  who  served  as  pastor  the  next  year.  Rev.  A.  L.  Colby 
was  pastor  two  years.  During  the  time  intervening  before  the 
calling  of  Brother  G.  E.  Dye,  in  May  1879,  ^'"'^  church  was 
supplied  by  different  preachers,  having  no  settled  pastor. 
Brother  G.  E.  Dye  was  ordained  while  pastor  and  remained 
with  the  church  until  October  1880.  Elder  Ammerman  served 
the  church  as  pastor  until  the  church  called  Elder  Samuel  Break- 
well  in  June  1883.  The  next  pastor  was  Rev.  I.  C.  Hall,  who 
closed  his  labors  when  the  church  called  Brother  L.  R.  Banks 
on  March  21st,  1885.  He  vvas  ordained  at  Benson  November 
I2th,  1885,  resigning  June  27th,  1886.  On  March  12th,  1887, 
Brother  Neyman  was  called  as  pastor  and  ordained  at  Benson 
May  19th,  1887.  This  closes  the  connection  between  the  Ben- 
son and  the  Clayton  churches  as  one  church  and  on  February 
17th,  1888,  a  new  organization  was  formed  from  members  of 
the  Clayton  church,  to  be  known  as  the  Benson  Baptist  church. 


The  Benson  Baptist  Church. 

HERE  was   a    Sunday  school  organized  in  Benson  in 
I  Coleman's  hall,  April  26th,  1874.   D^'-  ^-  W.  Siemens 

*  I  was  chosen  superintendent.  This  continued  in  con- 
nection with  the  Clayton  Baptist  church  from  1874 
to  1883.  August  19th,  1882,  a  council  was  called  to 
organize  a  separate  church,  the  same  to  be  known  as  the  Benson 
Baptist  church.  Rev.  A.  J.  Ammerman  moderator  and  John 
Fry,  secretary.  It  was  decided  to  solicit  funds  for  a  church. 
B.  F.  Zinser,  D.  Davis  and  Samuel  Peterson  were  chosen  a 
building  committee.  John  Fry,  D.  Davis  and  Joseph  Tallyn 
were  chosen  trustees.  The  property  known  as  the  Matthew 
Kolb  property  was  bought  as  a  site  for  the  church.  The  building 
being  completed  it  was  dedicated  July  22nd,  1883,  free  from 
debt,  costing  about  1^2300. 


30  HISTORY    OF   THE    BAPTIST    CHURCHES 

On  the  25th  day  of  March,  1888,  the  church  was  finally 
organized  as  a  separate  church,  having  been  up  to  that  time, 
connected  witli  the  Clayton  church.  The  following  27  persons 
had  been  granted  letters  from  the  Clayton  church  on  February 
27th,  1888,  to  organize  the  Benson  Baptist  church:  D.  Davis, 
John  Fry,  Joseph  Tallyn,  Sarah  Ta))yn,  Charles  Tallyn,  B.  F. 
Zinser,  Marcia  Davis,  A.  L.  Fry,  S.  W.  Woltzen,  May  B.  Fry, 
Susana  Fry,  Susana  Lee,  Newton  O.  Tallyn,  h'ene  Tallyn, 
Lizzie  Fry,  Amelia  Fry,  Carrie  S.  Tallyn,  Lottie  Lee,  F.  N. 
Tallyn,  E.  W.  Tallyn,  A.  H.  Tallyn,  Ella  F.  Tallyn,  Alice  A. 
Tallyn,  Emma  Smilie,  Lizzie  Kindig  and  Hannah  Parks. 

At  a  meeting  held  at  Benson  March  2nd,  1888,  with  E. 
C.  Cady  acting  as  moderator  and  D.  Davis  as  secretary,  it  was 
organized  as  a  separate  church,  and  at  the  same  meeting  B.  F. 
Zinser,  John  Fry  and  Joseph  Tallyn  were  elected  deacons  and 
Joseph  Tallyn,  John  Fry  and  D.  Davis  trustees.  During  the 
year  1889  Rev.  Gunther  served  the  church  part  of  the  time. 
November  8th,  1891,  Brother  F.  A.  Gregory  held  a  series  of 
meetings  that  continued  until  November  19th,  1891,  and  did 
much  good.  On  July  gt.i,  1890,  Rev.  Morewood  was  cliosen  to 
supply  the  church  for  a  while.  The  next  pastor  was  Rev.  W. 
L.  Jones,  who  began  his  labors  November  28th,  1891.  He 
acted  as  pastor  until  August  27th,  1899.  ^^y-  J-  S.  Marple 
became  pastor  October  ist,  1899.  He  held  a  series  of  meetings 
resulting  in  much  good.  He  served  as  pastor  until  August  28th, 
1900.  Rev.  Spencer  began  his  labor  as  pastor  December  9th, 
1900,  and  remained  until  May  25th,  1902.  Rev.  F.  M.  Johnson 
was  called  August  31st,  1902.  About  January  25th,  1903,  a 
series  of  meetings  was  begun,  he  being  assisted  by  Rev.  Fuller, 
of  El  Paso,  and  Dr.  Simmons,  of  Peoria.  Brother  Ford  was 
supplying  the  church  about  May  2nd,  1906.  Brother  J.  B. 
Brown  supplied  the  church  a  short  time  in  1907.  After  having 
been  supplied  by  several  preachers,  a  call  was  extended  to 
Brother  Krause,  who  commenced  on  the  15th  of  August,  1907. 
Brother  J.  M.  Wood  assisted  him  to  hold  a  meeting  in  the  fall 


OF   WOODFORD    COUNTY,    ILLINOIS 


31 


of  1908.  Elder  Krause  served  as  pastor  until  August  20th, 
1909.  Brother  H.  Weddington  became  pastor  in  the  fall  of 
1909.  Rev.  Tharp  received  a  call  December  20th,  191 1,  and 
is  still  pastor.  The  oificers  at  present  are:  Pastor,  Rev.  M. 
Elmore  Tharp;  deacons,  A.  H.  Tally n,  George  Nellinger,  F.  C. 
Tucker;  trustees,  C.  A.  Tallyn,  Paul  H.  Davison,  E.  M.  Tallyn; 
treasurer,  P.  C.  Tucker;  clerk,  Alpha  M.  Tallyn.  Present 
membership  85. 


CHAPTER   X. 


The  Roanoke  Baptist  Church. 

T  a  regular  covenant  meeting  of  the  Richland  Baptist 

A  church  on  April  12th,  1865,  letters  of  dismissal  were 
asked  for  by  thirty  of  its  members  to  form  a  new 
church  on  the  prairie  to  be  known  as  the  Roanoke 
Baptist  church,  and,  after  due  deliberation,  were 
granted  to  the  following  members:  E.  A.  Fisher,  Amelia  Fisher, 
Thomas  Marshall,  Martha  Marshall,  M.  L.  Fuller,  Jr.,  Anna 
Fuller,  Elder  M.  L.  Fuller,  Albert  H.  Fuller,  Elvira  B.  Fuller, 
Myron  A.  Fuller,  Stillman  Fuller,  George  B.  Fuller,  Milo  E. 
Fuller,  Elijah  R.  Marshall,  Martha  S.  Marshall,  Cyrus  R.  Mar- 
shall, Elvira  Marshall,  Virginia  Lamb,  James  Hewitt,  Martha 
Hewitt,  Rosina  Terry,  Josiah  Rogers,  Miranda  M.  Arnold,  Sam- 
uel Butterfield,  Mary  Butterfield,  Charles  Avery,  Angelina  Hall, 
Georgia  Smith,  William  Lamb. 

On  June  5th,  a  council  was  held  for  the  purpose  of 
organizing  a  Baptist  church  composed  of  the  names  just  given. 
They  met  at  the  school  house  four  miles  northeast  of  Metamora, 
the  following  churches  sending  delegates:  Metamora,  Elder 
Graham  and  P.  A.  Coen;  Richland,  Deacon  Hammers  and 
Abner  Mundell;  Washburn,  Elder  S.  S.  Robinson,  and  Elder 
Vaugan  of  Lacon,  being  present  was  invited  to  sit  in  council 
with  them.  Elder  Graham  was  chosen  moderator  and  P.  A. 
Coen  clerk.     After  hearing  the  request  to  organize   a  Baptist 


32  HISTORY   OF   THE    BAPTIST    CHURCHES 

church,  and  being  convinced  that  they  were  able  to  sustain  a 
church,  the  council  voted  to  proceed  with  the  organization  ex- 
ercises as  follows:  Reading  of  the  scriptures.  Rev.  S.  S.  Rob- 
inson; prayer,  P.  A.  Coen;  sermon,  Elder  Vaugan;  recognition 
prayer,  Elder  S.  S.  Robinson;  address  to  the  church  and  hand 
of  fellowship,  Elder  h-a  Graham;  P.  A.  Coen,  clerk.  E.  A. 
Fisher  was  elected  the  first  deacon  and  held  the  office  until  he 
moved  to  Kansas,  and  Myron  Fuller  was  the  first  clerk.  On 
June  13th,  1865,  the  following  brethren  were  chosen  as  trustees, 
E.  A.  Fisher,  E.  R.  Marshall  and  M.  L.  Fuller,  Jr.  March  31st, 
1866,  Elder  S.  S.  Robinson  became  pastor  half  time,  and  in 
January  of  the  following  year  the  church  secured  his  services 
full  time.  He  continued  as  pastor  until  March  ist,  1869.  On 
September  12th,  1865,  the  church  was  received  into  the  Illinois 
River  Baptist  Association,  meeting  that  year  with  the  El  Paso 
church.  On  June  13th,  1865,  at  a  meeting  held  at  the  school 
house  near  Elder  M.  L.  Fuller's,  it  was  decided  to  build  a  church 
one  mile  south  and  one  mile  west,  the  church  being  built  by 
Smith,  a  contractor  from  Washington.  It  was  dedicated  August 
22nd,  1866,  the  following  brethren  taking  part:  Scripture 
reading,  Elder  M.  L.  Fuller;  sermon,  Rev.  C.  D.  Merrit;  prayer. 
Rev.  S.  S.  Robinson,  pastor.  On  March  21st,  1869,  a  call  was 
extended  to  Elder  W.  E.  James  to  become  pastor,  he  to  preach 
one  half  time,  which  was  accepted.  He  continued  to  serve  as 
pastor  until  November  29th,  1870.  Elder  J.  W.  Berry  was  the 
next  pastor,  serving  the  church  one  half  time,  dividing  with 
Metamora,  from  Nov.  19th,  1870,  until  Nov.  ist,  1872.  On 
May  3rd,  the  church  called  Brother  I.  W.  Read  to  become  its 
pastor  and  on  the  15th  of  May  the  church  met  for  the  purpose 
of  arranging  for  the  ordination  of  Brother  I.  W.  Read  and  to 
call  a  council  of  the  following  churches:  Richland,  Washburn, 
Belle  Plain,  Meridian,  Minonk,  Clayton,  Panola  and  Metamora 
and  the  following  brethren,  Elder  Wm.  Parker,  S.  S.  Robinson, 
J.  M.  Berry,  M.  L.  Fuller  and  F.  Ketchem. 

June   19th,   1872,  in   accordance   with   the   call   of   the 


OF    WOODFORD    COUNTY,    ILLINOIS  33 

cluirch  for  the  ord:iinin;j;  of  Brother  I.  W.  Read  to  the  gospel 
ministry,  tlie  following;  churches  sent  delegates:  Ricliland, 
Belle  Plain,  Minnnk,  Clayton  and  El  Paso,  also  M.  L.  Fuller,  of 
Peoria  count)',  and  Elder  Wm.  Parker,  of  Richland.  Ttie  meet- 
ing was  called  to  order  by  Elder  C.  D.  Merrit,  and  Rev.  M.  L. 
Fuller  was  chosen  moderator  and  Brother  James  A.  Hammers 
as  clerk.  After  hearing  his  Christian  experience  and  his  call 
to  the  ministry  and  finding  him  sound  in  doctrine,  the  ordination 
exercises  vx'ere  as  follows:  Sermon,  Elder  C.  D.  Merrit;  prayer, 
Elder  M.  L.  Fuller;  charge  to  candidate,  Elder  J.  W.  James; 
charge  to  the  church,  Elder  William  Parker;  hand  of  fellowship. 
Elder  G  W.  Read,  brother  of  the  candidate.  On  November 
Qth,  a  call  of  the  Fairbury  church  was  received  for  delegates  to 
participate  in  the  ordination  of  Brother  J.  C.  Read,  a  brother  of 
1.  W.  Read.  The  following  brethren  were  appointed:  Brother 
M  L.  Fuller,  Jr.  and  Deacon  E.  A.  Fisher.  Elder  Read  con- 
tinued to  serve  as  pastor  there  until  the  summer  of  1874  ^^^^  on 
December  loth,  T874  the  Roanoke  Baptist  church  decided  to 
call  a  council  for  the  purpose  of  setting  apart  Brother  J.  C  H. 
Read,  a  brother  of  1.  W.  Read,  to  the  gospel  ministry.  The 
following  churches  w^re  invited  to  send  delegates:  Belle 
Plain,  Clayton,  Washington,  Washburn  and  Cazenovia,  and 
Rev.  W.  Parker.  The  council  convened  by  electing  W.  E. 
James  as  moderator  and  Joseph  Plank,  clerk.  Having  examined 
him  in  regard  to  church  doctrine  and  finding  him  satisfactor}- 
the  ordination  proceeded  as  follows:  Ordination  sermon  and 
prayer.  Elder  W.  E.  James;  charge  to  candidate  and  right  hand 
of  fellowship.  Elder  W.  Parker:  charge  to  the  church.  Elder  A. 
B.  Tomlinson.  Elder  J.  C.  H.  Read  served  as  pastor  of  the 
Roanoke  church  from  about  June  26th,  1875  to  February  5th, 
1876.  On  May  27th,  1876  a  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  David 
Fielding  to  become  pastor  for  one  year  but  owing  to  failing 
health  he  was  compelled  to  resign  July  22nd,  1876.  After 
Brother  Fielding  the  church  again  secured  Rev.  J.  C.  H.  Read, 
he  served  as  pastor  from  September  i6th,  1876  until  June  21st, 


34  HISTORY    OF   THE    BAPTIST    CHURCHES 

1877.  April  5th,  1876  a  call  was' extended  to  Brother  Wood,  a 
student  at  Morgan  Park,  to  serve  six  months  and  on  December 
31st,  1879,  Deacon  Fisher  reported  that  he  had  secured  Brother 
Wood  to  preach  every  Sunday  afternoon  for  33.00  a  Sunday. 
Brother  A.  H.  Wilson  commenced  his  labors  as  pastor  August 
2ist,  1880,  preaching  every  Sunday  afternoon  until  January 
2ist,  1882.  A  call  was  extended  to  Brother  J.  J,  Gorham  to 
preach  every  two  weeks  in  the  afternoon  until  April  ist.  On 
November  9th,  1879,  Brother  M.  L.  Fuller,  Jr.,  and  A.  F.  Mar- 
shall were  sent  as  delegates  to  the  ordination  of  Brother  George 

E.  Dye,  of  the  Clayton  Baptist  church. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  church  held  on  the  fifth  day  of  Aug- 
ust, 1882,  the  following  brethren.  Deacon  E.  A.  Fisher  and  A. 

F.  Marshall  were  chosen  to  sit  in  council  with  the  Baptist  church 
at  Washburn  for  the  purpose  of  ordaining  Elder  J.  J.  Gorhani 
to  the  Hospel  ministry.  The  church  having  been  without  a 
pastor  for  some  time  a  call  was  extended  to  Elder  J,  W.  Coffman 
for  one  year.  He  remained  until  January  4th,  1884,  ^i^^  ^'^ 
November  5th,  1885,  the  church  extended  a  call  to  Brother  A. 
Gregory  to  become  pastor,  and  on  January  17th,  1886,  at  a 
meeting  of  the  church  Deacon  E.  A.  Fisher  and  Brother  A.  F. 
Marshall  were  appointed  as  delegates  to  sit  in  council  called  by 
the  Cazenovia  Baptist  church  to  ordain  Rev.  A.  Gregory  to  the 
gospel  ministry.  He  served  the  church  as  pastor  until  Septem- 
ber 1887.  At  a  covenant  and  business  meeting,  the  pastor  and 
two  brethren  were  appointed  to  sit  in  council  at  the  Clayton 
Baptist  church  to  ordain  Brother  J.  W.  Neyman  to  the  gospel 
ministry.  Deacon  E.  A.  Fisher  and  Brother  W.  H.  Peard  were 
appointed  as  such  committee.  On  September  25th,  1887,  the 
church  called  Brother  M.  M.  Lewis  to  preach  every  Sunday 
morning.  He  served  as  pastor  until  September  1889.  On  the 
1 2th  day  of  October  1889,  Brother  Booth,  a  student  of  Chicago 
University,  became  pastor.  He  remained  two  years.  After 
the  resignation  of  Brother  T.  W.  Booth,  Elder  Young  supplied 
the  church  for  a  while  and  about  March  12th,  1892,  Elder  E.  C- 


OF    WOODFORB    COl'NTY,    IT.MNOIS  35 

Cady  commenced  to  preach.  Just  how  loner  he  remained  the 
records  do  not  show.  On  October  8th,  1892,  the  church  sent 
as  delegates,  Deacon  J.  T.  Pe  nd  and  wife,  to  sit  in  council  at 
Minonk  to  ordain  Brother  Fuller  Swift  to  the  (gospel  ministr)'. 

In  October  1892,  perhaps  one  of  the  greatest  events  in 
the  history  of  the  Roanoke  Baptist  church  was  the  farewell  for 
Brother  and  Sister  Young,  just  before  their  departure  tor  the 
foreign  field.  It  was  certainly  a  red  letter  day  for  the  Roanoke 
Baptist  church.  The  following  pastors  took  part  in  the  exer- 
cises: Brother  J.  W.  Tanner,  of  Normal;  Rev.  W.  B.  Riley, 
of  Bloomington,  and  Rev.  Fuller  Swift,  of  Minonk,  At  the  close 
of  the  exercises  Sister  Young  was  baptized,  she  having  formerly 
been  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church. 

On  October  14th,  1893,  Elder  Herrick  commenced  his 
labors  as  pastor,  serving  until  November  loth,  1894,  when  the 
church  called  Brother  Anderson  to  preach  every  other  Sunday 
during  the  school  )'ear,  while  he  was  attending  Chicago  Uni- 
versity, and  every  Sunday  during  the  vacation.  Elder  J.  F. 
Sparks  was  the  last  pastor,  commencing  his  labors  November 
9th,  189^,  and  remaining  for  two  years.  The  church  was  sold 
during  the  year  1904  for  $300  to  the  Mennonites  and  the  money 
turned  over  to  the  Bloomington  Baptist  Association. 


CHAPTER    XI. 
The  German  Baptist  Church  of  Minonk. 

HE  German  Baptist  church  of  Minonk  was  started  as  a 
Mission  of  the  German  Baptist  church  of  Peoria,  and 
was  continued  as  such  until  1867,  a  church  build- 
ing having  been  erected  the  year  before  (1866).  In 
the  summer  of  1867  it  was  decided  to  organize  a 
church  consisting  of  13  members  as  follows: — Rev.  Fredrich 
Melchert  and  wife;  John  Aggrerle  and  wife;  Fredrich  Rocho 
and  wife;  John  H.  Memmen  and  wife;  G.  J.  Pielstick  and  wife; 
Henry  Fulse  and  wife;  Aaron  Memmen.  A  Sunday  school  was 
maintained  throughout  the  life  of  the  church,  Superintendent, 


36  HISTORY    OF   THE   BAPTIST    CHURCHES 


John  T.  Jochums.  G.  J.  Pielstick  was  the  first  clerk.  No 
Deacon  was  elected  for  15  years,  the  pastor  filling  all  the 
offices.  The  first  Deacons  elected  were  William  Holman  and 
Fredrick  Melchert  Jr.  who  served  for  many  years. 

The  first  pastor  was  Rev.  Frederick  Melchert  who 
served  for  '  3  years.  After  Rev.  Melchert  came  Rev.  Fellman 
who  served  for  i^  years,  The' next  pastor  was  Rev.  F.  Hoff- 
man, remaining  3  years.  Rev.  G.  A.  Geunther  then  took  up 
the  work  and  remained  as  pastor  4  years.  Rev,  Wm.  Pfeiffer 
came  as  the  next  pastor,  remaining  3  years  and  was  followed 
by  Rev.  H.  Bens  who  served  3  years.  The  next  pastor  was 
Rev.  Albert  Hinz  who  remained  4  years.  After  him  came 
Rev.  D.  Zwink  who  served  i  year  and  9  months  and  he  was 
followed  by  Rev.  G.  E.  Lohr  who  remained  3  years,  and  after 
this  pastor  Rev.  H.  Bens  filled  the  pulpit  again  for  a  short  time. 
The  last  pastor  was  Rev.  Schroeder,  how  long  he  served  the 
records  do  not  show. 

In  order  to  make  a  deed  to  the  property  a  meeting  was 
called  November  i8th,  1910,  of  all  the  church  members  left, 
and  proceeded  by  electing  Rev.  J.  Meis  chairman,  and  H.  Vos- 
berg,  John  Funk  and  John  T.  Jochums  trustees  and  Miss  Meta 
Garrels,  clerk.  It  was  voted  unanimously  to  deed  all  the 
church  property  in  Minonk  to  the  German  Missionary  society 
of  the  German  Baptist  church  of  North  America.  This  closes  the 
history  of  the  only  German  Baptist  church  in  Woodford  county. 

CHAPTER   XII. 

NEIGHBORING  CHURCHES. 

"  HILE  the  Deer  Creek  and  Belle  Plain  churches  are  not 
located  in  Woodford  county,  they  are  situated  on  the 
border  of  the  county  and  drew  a  large  share  of  their 
membership  from  this  side  of  the  county  line,  and  it 
is  theretore  deemed  appropriate  that  their  history 
should  be  included  in  this  volume. 


OF    WOODFORD    COUNTV,    ILLINOIS  37 

Deer  Greek  Church. 

On  January  2nd.  1868,  at  the  home  of  B.  C.  Allen, 
seventeen  persons,  members  of  the  Baptist  church  living  south 
of  Wa>hington  met  and  considered  the  propriety  of  organizing  a 
Baptist  church.  At  this  meeting  it  was  decided  that  if  twenty 
CfAild  be  found  they  would  organize  a  church  to  be  known  as 
the  Deer  Creek  Baptist  churcli.  They  adjourned  to  meet  at  the 
home  of  Christopher  Shaffer  January  22nd.  At  the  meeting 
at  Brother  Shaffer's  a  church  wasoiganized,  electing  A.  J.  Am- 
merman  modeiator  and  J  D.  McNutt  secretary.  The  church 
consisted  of  thirty-five  members  coming  from  the  church  of 
Washington  and  other  churches.  At  this  meeting  the  following 
were  elected  deacons:  Christopher  Shaffer,  William  Lockwood, 
William  .  Huxtable  and  B.  C.  Allen.  Mr.  Allen  was  elected 
clerk.  On  the  same  day  at  the  "same  house  the  church  was 
organized,  Peter  Vance  being  chosen  moderator,  T.  C.  Brown 
clerk,  Rev.  Pope,  of  Peoria,  preaching  the  sermon.  February 
22nd,  Rev.  A.  J.  Ammerman  was  called  to  serve  the  church  one 
half  time  and  from  May  20th  to  serve  the  church  full  time. 
During  all  this  time  the  organization  had  met  all  the  time  at  the 
homes  of  the  brethren.  On  February  22nd  they  voted  to  build 
a  church  to  be  located  on  a  half  acre  leased  from  the  farm  of 
William  Huxtable.  The  church  was  erected  and  used  to  worship 
in  until  the  spring  of  1889,  when  it  was  moved  to  Deer  Creek. 

May  29tj,  1875,  the  church  called  George  Sutherland  to 
serve  four  months  and  he  was  ordained  June  22nd,  1876,  Rev. 
T.  Campbell  preaching  the  sermon.  April  21st,  1887,  a  call 
was  extended  to  Rev.  W.  E.  James  for  six  months  for  half  time 
and  later  for  full  time.  His  ministry  closed  October  1877. 
September  8th,  1878,  a  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  H.  A.  Nixon 
^-0  supply  for  the  fall  and  winter  and  on  March  9th,  1879  he  was 
called  to  serve  the  church  regularly.  He  was  ordained  June 
8th,  1879,  ^^^^  served  as  pastor  until  February  1884.  May 
31st,  1885,  Rev.  J.  E.  Thomas  became  pastor  of  the  Deer  Creek 
and  Washington  churches.     This  pastorate  seems  to  have  closed 


38  HISTORY    OF   THE    BAPTIST    CHURCHES 

on  September  7th,  1887.  Rev^.  Charles  Eye  served  as  pastor 
from  August  27th,  1887  until  April  27th,  1889.  The  next  pas- 
tor was  E.  O.  Lovett  who  served  from  April  5th,  1890  to  Feb- 
ruary 1891.  Rev.  C.  Hemmenway  served  the  church  from 
April  19th,  1891  to  October  24^1,  1891.  Rev.  E.  K.  Reynolds 
was  the  next  pastor,  beginning  his  labors  January  30th,  1892. 
He  was  ordained  April  i6th  of  that  year  and  closed  his  labors 
November  3rd,  1894.  Rev.  R.  Willoughford  was  pastor  from 
January  5th,  1895  ^^  January  1897.  May  26th,  1897  Rev.  S. 
F.  Whitcomb  began  as  pastor,  closing  his  work  in  June  1898. 
On  November  29th,  1898  J.  H.  Baker  commenced  as  pastor, 
closing  his  work  in  that  field  October  5th,  1901.  Rev.  Benj. 
Spencer  supplied  the  church  as  pastor  for  a  while  about  Novem- 
ber 30th,  1901.  December  1902  Rev.  Smith  became  pastor, 
closing  August  6th,  1905.  Rev.  J.  D.  Crumley  began  his  labor 
June  19th,  1906  and  is  still  pastor. 

The  Goodfield  church  was  erected  in  1891  and  the  pastor 
who  served  the  Deer  Creek  church  since  that  time  has  preached 
at  Goodfield  every  alternate  Sabbatii. 

The  church  officers  at  the  present  time  are:  J.  D.  Crum- 
ley, pastor;  H.  R.  Nixon,  clerk;  J.  M.  Cornwell,  treasurer;  S. 
C.  Nixon,  J.  S.  Nixon,  R.  M.  Lockwood,  W.  H.  Marshall,  W. 
S.  Smith,  deacons;  H.  M.  Robinson,  O.  P.  Mitchell,  W.  H. 
Marshall,  J.  S.  Nixon,  J.  C.  Culbertson,  trustees. 


Belle  Plain  Baptist  Church. 

We  whose  names  are  hereunder  signed  having,  this 
26th  day  of  February,  1852,  met  together  for  the  purpose  of 
organizing  ourselves  as  a  Church  at  Belle  Plain,  Marshall  coun- 
ty, Illinois,  do  adopt  the  following  church  covenant. 

As  we  trust,  we  have  been  brought  by  Divine  Grace  to 
embrace  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  by  the  influence  of  His 
spirit  to  give  ourselves  up  to  Him,  so  we  do  now  solemnly  cov- 
enant with  each  other,  that,  God  enabling  us,  we  will  walk  to- 


OF   WOODFORD   COUNTY,    ILLINOIS  39 

gether  in  brotherly  love;  that  we  will  exercise  a  Christian  care 
and  watchfulness  over  each  other,  and  faithfully  warn,  rebuke 
and  admonish  one  another  as  the  case  may  require;  that  we 
will  not  forsake  the  assembling  of  ourselves  together  nor  omit 
the  great  duty  of  prayer,  both  for  ourselves  and  for  others;  that 
we  will  participate  in  each  others  joys,  and  endeavor  with  ten- 
derness and  sympathy,  to  bear  each  others  burdens  and  sor- 
rows; tiiat  we  will  earnestly  endeavor  to  bring  up  such  as 
minlit  be  under  our  care  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the 
Lord;  that  we  will  seek  Divine  aid  to  enable  us  to  walk  circum- 
spectly and  watchfully  in  the  world,  denying  ungodliness  and 
every  worldly  lust;  that  we  will  strive  together  for  the  support 
of  the  faithful  evangelized  ministry  among  us;  that  we  will  en- 
deavor, by  example  and  effect,  to  win  souls  to  Christ;  and, 
through  life,  amidst  evil  report  and  ^ood  report,  seek  to  live  to 
the  Hlorv  of  Him  who  hath  called  us  out  of  darkness  into  His 
marvelous  light. 

William  Brooks         Nancy  Loyd  Elizabeth  Davison 

R.  W.  Rains  James  P.  Lucas       Amos  West 

Susan  P.  Rains         Chas.  H.  Davison  Nancy  West 
Nancv  McCalla        John  P.  Davison 
The  meetings  were  held  in  the  Belle  Plain  school  house 
and  the  fourth  Saturday  in  March  1852  it  was  decided  to  meet 
the  second  Saturday  in  each  month  at  3  o'clock  p.   m.     R.   W. 
Rains  was  elected  moderator  and  J.  P.  Lucas,  clerk. 

July  i6th,  1852,  a  number  of  the  brethren  met  together 
to  take  into  consideration  the  propriety  of  setting  apart,  A. 
William  Brooks  to  the  v/ork  of  the  gospel  ministry.  The  fol- 
lowing delegates  were  in  attendance  from  other  churches: 
Steuben,  Elder  W.  G.  Gordon;  Spring  Bay,  Elder  E.  S.  Free- 
man; Chillicothe,  Elder  C.  D.  Merit;  Half  Moon,  Brother  S. 
Carton;  Stamping  Groui.d,  Kentucky,  Brother  S.  Lucas. 
After  due  deliberation  it  was  decided  to  proceed  with  the  ordin- 
ation exercises  which  were  as  follows:  Sermon,  Elder  C.  D. 
Merit,  2nd  Cor.  3-6;  prayer,  Elder  E.  S.  Freeman;  charge.  El- 


40  HISTORY    OF   THE    BAPTIST     CHURCHES 

der  W.  G.  Gordon;  charge  to  church,  Elder  C.  D.  Merit.  The 
second  Saturday  in  January,  1853,  A.  C.  West  was  appointed 
deacon.  Regular  meetings  were  now  held  with  Elder  BrooK's 
as  pastor.  Thomas  C.  Spencer  was  elected  treasurer  in  Octo- 
ber 1854.  At  a  meeting  held  June  2nd,  1855,  Thomas  Rich- 
ardson, A.  C.  Lucas  and  J.  P  Lucas  was  appointed  trustees. 
A  committee  consisting  of  William  Brooks,  T.  Spencer  and  J. 
P.  Lucas  were  appointed  to  raise  money  to  build  a  meeting 
house  and  E.  Tharp,  G.  Bocock  and  G.  Holman  a  committee 
to  look  up  a  location  for  the  building.  December  15th,  1855, 
T.  C.  Spencer  was  elected  clerk  in  place  of  J.  P.  Lucas  and 
Abe  Frye  was  elected  treasurer. 

January  26th,  1856,  a  special  meeting  was  held  to  de- 
cide on  a  location  for  building  a  church.  Two  locations  were 
presented,  one  near  the  Hazelwood  school  house  and  one  in  the 
grove  on  Crow  Creek  near  Thomas  Bennington's.  The  latter 
place  was  chosen  the  ground  being  donated  by  A.  J.  Frye  for 
the  purpose.  On  May  31st  a  meeting  was  held  to  reconsider 
the  vote  taken  on  January  26th  to  build  a  meeting  house  on 
the  lot  of  A.  J.  Frye.  Three  cites  for  a  meeting  house  were 
then  presented.  One  near  the  Hazelwood  school  house,  one 
near  the  residence  of  Brother  Wineteer  and  one  in  the  grove 
on  Brother  Fry's  land.  On  motion  the  one  near  the  Hazel- 
wood  school  house  was  selected.  A  new  committee  of  five, 
consisting  of  W.  A.  Brooks,  J.  E.  P.  Bell,  A.  J.  Frye,  T.  C. 
Spencer  and  John  Wineteer  were  appointed  to  raise  funds  for 
the  purpose  of  building  a  meeting  house.  October  i8th,  1856, 
the  building  committee  recommended  that  the  church  build  a 
house  50  feet  long,  36  feet  wide  and  16  feet  to  the  eaves.  A 
building  committee  consisting  of  W.  A.  Brooks,  T.  C.  Spencer, 
J.  E.  P.  Bell,  John  Wineteer  and  Harrison  Simpson  was  ap- 
pointed. November  15th,  1856,  Deacon  A.  C.  West  resigned 
his  office  as  deacon  on  account  of  delicate  health  and  Harrison 
Simpson  was  appointed.  December  20th,  1856,  J.  E.  P.  Bell 
was  elected  treasurer  in  place  of  A.  J    Frye.     December   nth. 


OF   WOODFORD    COUNTY,    ILLINOIS  41 

i8s8,  the  pastor,  togfther  with  H.  Simpson,  John  VVineteer  and 
J.  E.  P.  Bell  were  sent  as  a  committee  to  assist  in  the  ordination 
of  B.  F.  Scri\-in  at  tiie  Meridian  churcii.  On  January  8th,  1859, 
a  committee  consisting  of  the  pastor,  A.  C.  West,  F.  C.  Simpson 
and  J.  E.  P.  Bell  were  sent  to  meet  with  other  churches,  meet- 
ing to  be  held  six  miles  northwest  of  'Panola,  and  if  thought 
proper,  to  assist  in  recognizing  them  as  a  Baptist  church. 

April  17th,  1859,  the  church  recei\'ed  a  communication 
from  the  Meridian  Baptist  cluirch  asking  it  to  join  with  them  in 
callincT  an  ecclesiastical  council  to  settle  some  difficulty  in  their 
church.  The  request  was  denied  and  on  April  30th,  a  second  com- 
munication was  received  and  request  was  again  denied.  August 
20th,  a  letter  from  Elder  B.  F.  Scrivin,  pastor  of  the  Meridian 
church, was  received  saying  that  a  council  is  invited  to  meet  with 
theMeridian  church  at  Jefferson  school  house  on  August  24th. 

Also  received  a  communication  from  Elder  G.  S.  Baily, 
asking  us  to  take  action  in  regard  to  forming  a  new/  association 
to  be  composed  of  the  churches  of  the  Illinois  Ri\'er  Association 
on  the  east  side  of  the  river.  Vote  taken  by  ballot  and  resulted 
in  27  for  and  one  against  a  new  association. 

August  2ist,  1859,  Elder  Brooks  resigned  as  pastor, 
having  served  since  his  ordination  in  1852.  September  17th, 
1859,  Elder  W.  M.  Brooks,  H.  Simpson,  J.  E.  P.  Bell  andT.  C. 
Spencer  were  appointed  as  messengers  to  goto  Metamora  on  the 
2ist,  to  meet  with  tlie  messengers  from  the  several  churches  for 
the  purpose  of  organizing  a  new  association  on  the  east  side  of 
the  Illinois  river. 

February  4th,  i860,  the  church  voted  to  elect  another 
deacon.  S.  R.  Davison  was  elected.  February  23rd,  a  call  was 
extended  to  L.  L.  Martin  as  pastor. 

March  23rd,  i860,  the  following  churches  were  invited  to 
sit  in  an  ecclesiastical  council  to  examine  Brother  E.  D.  Davison's 
qualifications  as  a  candidate  for  the  ministry  and  if  thought  best 
to  ordain  him.  Said  meeting  to  be  held  at  our  place  of  worship, 
on  the  1 5th  day  of  March:     Tonica,  Panola,  Metamora,  Richland 


42  HISTORY    OF   THE    BAPTIST    CHURCHES 

Valley,  Rutland,  Clayton,  Richland,  Lacon,  Minonk,  Meridian, 
Washburn.  March  15th,  the  council  convened  with  the  follow- 
ing churches  represented:  Rutland,  Belle  Plain,  Minonk,  Meri- 
dian, Washburn  and  Richland  Valley.  Motion  was  made  that 
in  view  of  the  sm..ll  number  in  attendance  that  we  adjourn  till 
March  28th.  On  that  date  the  council  convened  with  the 
following  churches  represented:  Tonica,  Rutland,  Minonk,  Meri- 
dian, Clayton,  Washburn  and  Belle  Plain.  Brother  E.  D.  Davi- 
son was  called  upon  and  said  under  the  circumstances  he  would 
rather  withdraw'  his  application  if  agreeable  to  the  feelings  of 
the  church  and  council.     On  motion  his  request  was  granted. 

March  22nd,  i86o  Elder  Martin  declined  to  accept  the  call 
extended  and  April  28th, Elder  C.  D.  Merrit  was  elected  pastor. 

August  22nd,  i860,  voted  to  build  a  church  30  feet  by  44 
feet  and  16  feet  high  to  the  eaves.  A  building  committee  was 
appointed  consisting  of  C.  D.  Merit,  S.  R.  Davidson,  H.  Simp- 
son, R.  M.  Smilie  and  J.  E.  P.  Bell.  September  ist,  i860,  the 
building  committee  was  invested  with  power  to  decide  where 
the  church  should  be  located  and  in  September  the  committee 
reported  that  they  had  bought  a  lot  in  the  grove  of  about  two 
acres.  Four  new  trustees  were  elected  as  follows:  J.  E.  P. 
Bell,  S.  R.  Davison,  John  Wineteer  and  H.  Simpson.  Novem- 
ber 9th,  1861,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  raise  money  and 
buy  more  ground  to  be  used  as  a  burying  ground.  February 
iSth,  1862,  the  building  committee  reported  that  they  had  col- 
lected from  all  sources  for  the  erection  of  the  meeting  house  the 
sum  of  $1531.70,  that  they  had  paid  out  for  building  said  house 
and  the  purchase  of  land  on  which  it  stands  the  sum  of  ;^  1332. 36. 

Elder  Merrit  resigned  October  i8th,  1864,  having  served 
four  and  one-half  years  as  pastor.  February  25th,  1865  Elder  J. 
Cairns  was  extended  a  call  but  declined  and  on  June  17th,  Elder 
H.  M.  Danforth  accepted  a  call  to  preach  one  half  the  time. 
Elder  Danforth  preached  one  year  and  on  June  i6th,  1866,  the 
church  voted  to  invite  Brother  E.  D.  Davison  to  preach  one 
half  the  time  and  extended  a  call  to   Elder   C.  Cross  to  preach 


OF   WOODFORD    COUNTY,    ILLIXOIS  43 

the  other  half.  Elder  Cross  preaciied  but  oi  e  year  when  a  call 
was  extended  to  Brother  Nailer  who  preached  from  June  15th, 
1867  to  November  30th,  of  the  same  \ear,  when  lie  resio;ned. 
March  ist,  1868,  Elder  Parker  was  elected  paster.  He  preached 
for  two  years.  On  April  21st,  1869,  Louis  Wineteer  and  L. 
Fisher  were  ordained  as  deacons.  April  16th,  1870,  Eldr  r  Ben- 
ton was  hired  as  pastor  for  six  months  for  S200,  and  on  Feb. 
nth,  1871,  Elder  James  was  hired  to  preach  one  fourth  the 
time  for  one  year.  At  the  end  of  the  year  he  was  hired  to  preach 
for  full  time  and  continued  as  pastor  till  October  1875  \\hen  a 
call  was  extended  to  Rev.  Charles  Sands  who  preached  one 
half  the  time  and  at  the  Meridian  church  the  other  half.  Elder 
Sands  acted  as  pastor  of  the  two  churches  for  about  seven  and 
one-half  years.  During  the  month  of  February,  1877,  a  series 
of  revival  meetings  were  held  which  resulted  in  the  conversion 
of  twenty-nine  persons,  seventeen  of  them  uniting  with  the 
Belle  Plain  church  and  twelve  with  the  Meridian  church.  Sev- 
eral more  were  received  by  experience.  Elder  Sands  resigned 
in  the  spring  of  1883  and  in  August  of  the  same  year  Elder  A. 
J.  Ammerman  took  up  the  pastorate  for  one  \'ear  after  which 
no  regular  services  were  held. 

In  1885  a  meeting  was  held  and  it  was  decided  that  Elder 
Sands,  who  still  lived  in  the  neighborhood,  l^e  authorized  to 
issue  letters  of  commendation  to  those  asking  for  same,  where 
he  had  sood  reason  to  believe  them  worthv,  and  the  church 
disbanded. 

In  1887  an  informal  meeting  was  held  with  Baptist 
brethren  and  sisters  of  other  churches  interested,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  consulting  the  propriety  of  repairing  the  church  and 
organizing  for  church  work.  James  M.  Davison  of  Meridian 
church  and  Lee  Goodell  of  Washburn  church  were  appointed  as 
a  committee  to  solicit  subscriptions.  On  January  28th,  1888, 
the  committee  reported  that  repairs  were  made  and  paid  for  and 
had  hired  J.  Q.  Berry  as  pastor.  February  28th,  1888  J.  J. 
Faw,  Louis  Wineteer  and  James  M.  Davison  were  elected  trus- 


44  HISTORY    OF   THE    BAPTIST     CHURCHES 


tees.  In  October  1888,  Brother  Berry  resigned  and  Brother 
Brisley  was  elected  pastor  who  preached  till  May  1889  when 
Brother  P.  H.  Falk  was  hired  as  pastor  for  one  year.  At  the 
expiration  of  the  year  he  agreed  to  still  continue  as  pastor  if  the 
church  would  agree  to  pay  his  expenses  from  Morgan  Park  and 
return  each  alternate  Sunday  and  pa\-  him  a  Salary  of  $300  per 
year.  An  effort  was. made  to  collect  the  amount  necessary  but 
there  being  so  few  Baptists  left  in  the  neighborhood  it  was 
finally  decided  to  discontinue  preaching  services. 

The  old  church  still  stands  in  the  grove,  about  eighty 
rods  west  of  the  old  Belle  Plain  postoftke,  but  is  very  badly  in 
need  of  repair,  as  no  church  services  of  any  kind  have  been 
held  there  since  the  preaching  of  Elder  Falk  in  1890. 


m 


OF   WOODFORD    COUNTY,    ILLINOIS 


45 


Conclusion. 

ROM  the  foregoing  history,  the  reader  may  draw  the 

F  conclusion  that  the  strength  of  the  Baptist  churches  in 
Woodford  county,  is  on  the  decHne,  but  it  is  merely 
a  repetition  of  the  experiencesof  other  denominations 
that  flourished  in  the  early  days  of  the  county's 
development.  Members  have  moved  away,  settling  in  new 
regions,  and  their  places  have  been  taken  by  those  affiliated 
with  other  organizations.  It  is  a  condition  due  to  the  shifting  of 
the  population  of  the  county,  and  it  is  by  no  means  indicative 
of  a  loss  of  interest  in  the  Baptist  church,  the  scenes  of  the 
activity  of  its  members  have  simply  chariged  to  other  regions. 
The  Baptist  organizations  that  still  exist  in  this  county,  are 
churches  of  wide  influence  and  great  helpfulness.  Thru  their 
consecrated  ministry  the  cause  of  Christ  has  been  made  dear 
to  many  a  heart,  and  great  numbers  can  look  back  in  memory 
to  the  first  steps  in  Christian  life,  as  taken  in  the  Baptist 
church.  The  field  of  usefulness,  has  not  been  limited  to  the 
boundaries  of  Woodford  county,  but  the  leaven  of  Christian 
teaching,  as  received  in  the  various  Baptist  churches  of  the 
county  has  been  carried  into  many  widely  separate  parts  of 
the  earth,  carrying  with  it  the  sunshine  and  the  love  of  Christ 
into  many  honies  that  would  have  otherwise  been  dark  and 
cheerless. 

In  the  preceding  pages  1  have  presented  as  concisely  as 
possible  the  history  of  our  church  in  this  county,  but  its  full 
history  will  only  be  revealed  when  the  record  of  the  lives  touched 
by  its  benign  influence  is  brought  to  light  in  the  Realm  of  God. 


THE   END. 


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